Cannabis Dust Tied to Death; Republican COVID Deaths Higher; Anti-Abortion Tax Break

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A marijuana cultivation facility worker who died in January could not breathe after inhaling ground cannabis dust in Massachusetts, an OSHA investigation found. (Boston.com)

COVID deaths are unevenly distributed among Republicans and Democrats, several studies reported. (NBC News)

In the Biden administration’s commitment to lower drug prices, so-called “march-in” rights — asserting government control over patents — are not “off the table,” according to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. (Axios)

Eiger BioPharmaceutical announced it will not submit an emergency use authorization request to the FDA for peginterferon lambda to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

Though monkeypox cases have decreased, concerns persist about the safety and efficacy of an intradermal vaccine that can be split into multiple doses. (Washington Post)

The personal toll of monkeypox: five men share their stories about pain, isolation, and incompetence. (Washington Post)

Is a vaccine for breast cancer on the horizon? (Time)

Multi Radiance Medical announced FDA clearance of its therapeutic laser for fibromyalgia-associated pain.

Aurora Spine Corporation also announced FDA clearance of its SiLO TFX MIS sacroiliac joint fixation system.

The agency also approved a label expansion for lumasiran (Oxlumo) for advanced primary hyperoxaluria type 1, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals said.

Charitable foundations of multiple corporations, particularly the oil and gas industry and utilities, that contributed to anti-abortion groups stand to benefit from a Mississippi law that offers tax breaks to continue the support. (Mississippi Public Broadcasting)

Detailed studies of eight patients with COVID rebound after nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) showed they had “robust” immune responses, arguing against immune system impairment as the cause. (Clinical Infectious Diseases)

About 2.5 million middle-school and high-school students reported using e-cigarettes, a 21% increase over 2021, according to a survey by the CDC and the FDA.

Expensive emergency medical care may discourage sexual violence survivors from reporting the incidents. (ABC News)

At least half of all administrative expenses in healthcare are wasteful and do not contribute to health outcomes. (Health Affairs)

Making good on a campaign promise to decriminalize marijuana, President Biden announced pardons for individuals with federal convictions for “simple marijuana possession” and asked for a review of its federal scheduling. (CNN)

How did the Nobel Prize winners for chemistry and medicine celebrate the recognition? (NPR)

A deep dive into the obstacles to adolescents’ and their parents’ access to mental health services. (CNN)

A spate of fatal shootings of rappers has stoked new discussions about gun violence in the hip-hop community. (NBC News)

The personal documents that Judge Aileen Cannon ordered the Justice Department to return to former President Trump included medical records — sort of. (Daily Beast)