Addiction News & Policy Update for Week Ending January 1, 2021

N.J.'s legal weed bill held up again at the final stage as Murphy wants penalties for underage use
The years-long push to legalize marijuana in New Jersey has stalled once again — this time on Gov. Phil Murphy's desk. At issue now: a disagreement over whether there should be penalties for those under 21 who possess or use weed.

Gambling addiction 'should be treated as a public health issue like alcoholism and smoking', academic report says
Gambling addiction is an urgent public health issue that must be taken as seriously as alcoholism and smoking, says a hard-hitting academic report. Time spent at home and increased feelings of isolation because of coronavirus have fueled an epidemic of people becoming hooked on online betting, researchers found.

47% Of Parents Say Their Kids' Mental Health Has Gotten Worse Since The Summer
We would all be excused for wanting 2020 to disappear in a fog of medical marijuana. In case you missed it, here's a recap of a very busy year for Ogletree Deakins Drug Testing Practice Group.

For those in recovery during the pandemic, virtual support is a lifeline during holiday
For the past nine years, the holiday season has been the toughest time of the year for Julie Stewart of Binghamton. Her uncles sit at the table drinking beer and her cousins go onto the back porch to smoke marijuana.

Doctors worry as mental health issues with children increase during pandemic
The CDC recently released a study that shows children related mental health emergency room visits started to increase in April, and visits have continued to stay high during the pandemic.