Over 1 In 10 High School Seniors Report Using Delta-8 THC

More than 11% of high school seniors report using delta-8 THC — a compound closely related to the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that’s legal in many states thanks to a loophole in the 2018 farm bill — according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study, led by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, is one of the first to offer a nationwide snapshot of teenage use of delta-8, a little-researched cannabis product with psychoactive effects that has grown in popularity in recent years.

Cannabis Regulation in Ohio – A Policy Brief

On Nov. 7, 2023, Ohio voters approved Ohio Issue 2. The ballot initiative changed Ohio law to allow the sale and purchase of recreational cannabis, regulated by a new Division of Cannabis Control within the Ohio Department of Commerce. As the General Assembly considers legislation to regulate recreational cannabis, and the executive branch considers next steps, policymakers will need to weigh public health, public safety, equity and other considerations.

The brief gives an overview of the current status of recreational cannabis legislation under consideration in the General Assembly and also draws on previous HPIO analysis to outline what lessons can be learned from current tobacco and alcohol policy to inform future cannabis regulation.

HHS Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is aware that Change Healthcare – a unit of UnitedHealth Group  – was impacted by a cybersecurity incident in late February. HHS recognizes the impact this attack has had on health care operations across the country. HHS’ first priority is to help coordinate efforts to avoid disruptions to care throughout the health care system. HHS is in regular contact with UHG leadership, state partners, and with numerous external stakeholders to better understand the nature of the impacts and to ensure the effectiveness of UHG’s response. HHS has made clear its expectation that UHG does everything in its power to ensure continuity of operations for all health care providers impacted and HHS appreciates UHG’s continuous efforts to do so. HHS is aware that numerous providers have highlighted potential cash flow concerns to HHS stemming from an inability to submit claims and receive payments. HHS has heard these concerns and is taking direct action and working to support the important needs of the health care community. HHS is working with CMS to assist providers to continue serving patients. Providers should continue to work with all their payers for the latest updates on how to receive timely payments, and be aware of the flexibilities in place during this period. HHS also takes this opportunity to encourage all providers, technology vendors, and members of the health care ecosystem to double down on cybersecurity, with urgency. The system and the American people can ill afford further disruptions in care. Please visit the HPH Cyber Performance Goals website for more details on steps to stay protected.

Partnership and Funding Conversation with SAMHSA Staff

SAMHSA staff are coming to Maryhaven's Main Campus on April 11, 2024, for a Partnership and Funding Conversation. Please note you do have to register to attend and space is limited!

If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected] 

Maryhaven Main Campus
1791 Alum Creek Drive
Columbus, OH 43207