DEA Delays Marijuana Rescheduling Decision Until After The Election

The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled a hearing on the Biden administration’s proposal to reclassify marijuana under federal drug laws, effectively delaying the decision until after the November election. The agency scheduled a hearing on the proposed rule change for December 2, according to a report from cannabis news outlet Marijuana Moment.

The proposed rule is the result of a review of U.S. cannabis policy that was ordered by President Joseph Biden in October 2022. In January 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined after a review of available evidence that marijuana was eligible for a less strict classification under federal drug laws. In the review, researchers with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that credible evidence shows that marijuana has legitimate medical uses and fits the criteria for rescheduling under the CSA. In April 2024, the DEA indicated it would approve the effort to reschedule marijuana, later issuing a proposed rule to facilitate the change under federal law.

Therapists Are Leaving Health Insurance Networks. Here's Why

Although federal law requires insurers to provide the same access to mental and physical health care, these companies have been caught, time and again, shortchanging customers with mental illness — restricting coverage and delaying or denying treatment.

These patients — whose disorders can be chronic and costly — are bad for business, industry insiders told ProPublica.

“The way to look at mental health care from an insurance perspective is: I don’t want to attract those people. I am never going to make money on them,” said Ron Howrigon, a consultant who used to manage contracts with providers for major insurers. “One way to get rid of those people or not get them is to not have a great network.”

There are nowhere near enough available therapists in insurance networks to serve all of the people seeking care. And although almost all Americans are insured, about half of people with mental illness are unable to access treatment.

The consequences can be devastating.

To understand the forces that drive even the most well-intentioned therapists from insurance networks, ProPublica plunged into a problem most often explored in statistics and one-off perspectives. Reporters spoke to hundreds of providers in nearly all 50 states, from rural communities to big cities.

Clubhouse Ohio

Clubhouse Ohio, a coalition to improve community support for those living with mental illness, released an updated video sharing the clubhouse model, celebrating the expansion across the state, and introducing Ohio Clubhouses.

CLUBHOUSE OHIO MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose of this coalition is to establish and enhance accredited Clubhouses across the state of Ohio. We intend to pursue and accomplish the following goals: Identify communities that will benefit from the Clubhouse Model and assist in the development of Accredited Clubhouses. Enhance awareness of the needs within the mental health community and provide education on how the Clubhouse Model helps to fill critical gaps missing in our current healthcare system. Reduce stigma for those living with mental illness. We want to ensure that the entirety of our Clubhouse Community is viewed with dignity and respect. Continue to work in collaboration with agencies at the state and local level to ensure there are opportunities for our members to gain and maintain employment or further education. Develop relationships with employers across the state of Ohio to improve Transitional Employment opportunities for individuals living with mental illness. https://www.clubhouseohio.org.

CareSource Project ECHO - Treatment Resistant Psychosis Program

CareSource Project ECHO is partnered with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to support providers working with individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis that persist despite treatment, commonly known as treatment resistant psychosis. Healthcare professionals from all disciplines that interact with these individuals are encouraged to join us on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, beginning July 2024 through December 2024, for live, interactive, case-based learning and free continuing education credits. Click here to view the flyer.

To register, please email [email protected]