Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Marijuana Becomes Most Daily Used Substance, Surpassing Alcohol, Cigarettes
Fox News: Marijuana Surpasses Alcohol And Cigarettes In Daily Use Among US Adults
Marijuana is officially leading the pack for the most-used daily drug among Americans. New data from the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), reveals that there are 21.4 million daily or near-daily marijuana users in the U.S. (Stabile, 8/2)
On gun violence and mental health —
The New York Times: Gunman Acted Alone In Idaho In-N-Out Attack, Authorities Say
The gunman who fired into a busy In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, sending customers scurrying for cover in the restaurant and behind cars in the parking lot, was a 24-year-old man who acted alone, the authorities said on Sunday. At least three people were killed and seven others wounded. The afternoon rampage, the authorities said, might have been worse if not for the “heroic action” of an off-duty state trooper and a private citizen who returned fire and slowed the gunman. (Burch and Mokam, 8/2)
In mental health news about abortion, ICE detention, and transgender care —
The 19th: Abortion Bans May Be Fueling Suicidal Thoughts Among Teen Girls, Study Finds
Abortion bans may be driving more teenage girls to seriously contemplate suicide — regardless of whether they are pregnant, a new study finds. (Luthra, 7/31)
The 19th: Lawmakers Push For Immigrant Woman’s Release After Suspected Miscarriage
Lawmakers are seeking the release of an immigrant woman who says that — despite pleading for help after experiencing bleeding and severe pain, indications of a possible miscarriage — she has received limited medical care in detention. (Barclay and Luthra, 7/31)
The New York Times: Inside The Secretive Boards Deciding Trans Troops’ Fate
The Pentagon is relying on closed-door hearings to kick out transgender service members. An Army Reserve lawyer is one of the few who have seen how they really work. (Jaffe and Philipps, 8/3)
