Drugs + Money

The Golden Age of Doctor-ShoppingThe Golden Age of Doctor-Shopping

The Golden Age of Doctor-Shopping

In 2012, right before prescription drug-monitoring programs (PDMP) shut everything down, I was seeing 11 doctors every month—the same 11…

April 29, 2025
Walgreens Settles DOJ Prescription Opioid Lawsuit, Likely at $350 MillionWalgreens Settles DOJ Prescription Opioid Lawsuit, Likely at $350 Million

Walgreens Settles DOJ Prescription Opioid Lawsuit, Likely at $350 Million

Walgreens, the nation’s second-largest pharmacy chain, will pay $300 million plus 4 percent interest to settle Department of Justice allegations…

April 22, 2025
Michael Bloomberg Won His Vietnam War on VapingMichael Bloomberg Won His Vietnam War on Vaping

Michael Bloomberg Won His Vietnam War on Vaping

Vietnam has a big-time smoking problem. A huge proportion of men, particularly—44.3 percent, by one estimate—smoke cigarettes. Smoking kills more…

April 22, 2025
Mexico’s Lawsuit Against US Gunmakers Reaches Supreme CourtMexico’s Lawsuit Against US Gunmakers Reaches Supreme Court

Mexico’s Lawsuit Against US Gunmakers Reaches Supreme Court

Do gun manufacturers in the United States bear responsibility for thousands of murders by drug trafficking organizations in Mexico? The…

February 27, 2025
“It’s Very Real”—Harm Reduction Research Facing DOGE Funding Cuts“It’s Very Real”—Harm Reduction Research Facing DOGE Funding Cuts

“It’s Very Real”—Harm Reduction Research Facing DOGE Funding Cuts

As Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) take a chainsaw to federal agencies and funding, critical research—including that related…

February 25, 2025
Utah Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for “Central Role” in Opioid OD CrisisUtah Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for “Central Role” in Opioid OD Crisis

Utah Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for “Central Role” in Opioid OD Crisis

Utah is suing two of the nation’s top pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), the companies that shape prescription drug pricing, alleging…

January 2, 2025
Baltimore’s $5.2 Billion Opioid Lawsuit Now in the Hands of One JudgeBaltimore’s $5.2 Billion Opioid Lawsuit Now in the Hands of One Judge

Baltimore’s $5.2 Billion Opioid Lawsuit Now in the Hands of One Judge

A Baltimore judge will soon decide the fate of a landmark opioid lawsuit. The beleaguered city hopes to obtain billions…

December 17, 2024
CBP Rolls Out Mildly Surprising Workforce Naloxone PolicyCBP Rolls Out Mildly Surprising Workforce Naloxone Policy

CBP Rolls Out Mildly Surprising Workforce Naloxone Policy

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented its first internal policy covering staff access to naloxone. While it revolves entirely…

November 7, 2024
Record High for Banks, Credit Unions Involved in Cannabis IndustryRecord High for Banks, Credit Unions Involved in Cannabis Industry

Record High for Banks, Credit Unions Involved in Cannabis Industry

A record number of banks are now reporting that they’re working with state-legal marijuana businesses amid increased pressure on Congress…

October 28, 2024
FDA Reports Largest-Ever Seizure of Unregulated Nicotine VapesFDA Reports Largest-Ever Seizure of Unregulated Nicotine Vapes

FDA Reports Largest-Ever Seizure of Unregulated Nicotine Vapes

On October 22, the Food and Drug Administration announced what appears to be the United States government's largest seizure of…

October 24, 2024