Khurshid Khoja’s Post

Judge Cote's ruling in the In re Acetaminophen MDL is one of several recent and notable decisions regarding the admissibility of expert testimony in product liability and mass tort matters under FRE 702. In our #Law360 article, we delve into several principles highlighted in Judge Cote's ruling, along with some key takeaways that practitioners should be aware of. Thanks to Courtney Block for her help on this.

Fantastic news! The publication of a research review from the Department of Health and Human Services marks another significant step forward in the journey toward federal legalization. This demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis. Exciting times ahead for the industry and those advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of cannabis. 📚 #FederalLegalization #CannabisResearch #ProgressInPolicy

Could Massachusetts be next to legalize psilocybin, following Oregon's lead? Explore the potential future of psychedelics legislation in our latest blog post! #PsilocybinLegalization #MassachusettsPsychedelics https://loom.ly/5NTHxig

In a landmark legislative move, the California State Senate granted final approval for Senate Bill 58, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener for a policy that he has supported and advocated for numerous years. If ratified into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill will significantly alter California's legal landscape concerning the non-commercial personal possession, cultivation, and use of specific naturally occurring psychedelics, including psilocybin/psilocyn (mushrooms), Mescaline, and DMT for adults aged 21 and older. The bill lists the “allowable amounts” of personal possession for each substance, as follows: - Mescaline: Four grams - DMT: One gram - Psilocybin: One gram, or up to one ounce of “a plant or fungi containing psilocybin” - Psilocyn: One gram, or up to one ounce of “a plant or fungi containing psilocyn.” Read the full blog by Delia Rojas here: https://lnkd.in/ghWT__nC

Friends, look forward to seeing many of you in Portland Dec 1-2, where I will be on a panel discussing: Psychedelics – Legislation, Regulation, Practicalities & The Law https://lnkd.in/g2nvZaUW

In 2019, Georgia Southern University quarterback Shai Werts faced drug charges after a deputy utilized an all-too-common field drug test that incorrectly identified bird poop on the hood of his car as cocaine. Despite Shai's insistence on innocence, he was charged, jailed, and suspended from the team. While official lab results later proved it was indeed bird poop, not cocaine, the State of Georgia still does NOT require confirmatory lab testing and error-prone field drug tests are admissible as evidence to prove a drug case at trial. Shai's harrowing experience highlights the dangers of relying on unreliable field drug tests and underscores the urgent need for reform. Our research delves into an alarming reality: False-positive field drug tests lead to the wrongful arrest and convictions of 30,000 Americans. EVERY YEAR. Are you or a loved one next? 🔗 Read our report: https://lnkd.in/gP6SMWaj #QuattroneCenter #PennLaw #PennCareyLaw #penn #upenn #JusticeReform #WrongfulConvictions #FieldDrugTests #CriminalJusticeReform #ShaiWerts #WrongfulArrests #FalsePositiveTests #LegalReform #InnocenceMatters #ReformNow

First Official Ozempic MDL Post Yesterday, the JPML consolidated the weight loss MDL before Judge Pratter in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Eastern District of PA courthouse is located in downtown Philadelphia only a few blocks from City Hall where the recent $2.25 BILLION Roundup verdict was handed down. The jury pool can be considered favorable to Plaintiffs. Judge Pratter is a well known and respected judge who I have had the honor to appear before on numerous occasions. Judge Pratter obtained her undergraduate degree from Stanford before graduating from Univ. Penn Law School in 1975 and then working as a GC at Duane Morris. She was unanimously confirmed and appointed to the EDPA in June 2004. Judge Pratter likes her dockets to move quickly, which is another positive. What will make this MDL somewhat unique is that there are multiple manufacturers (defendants) all who manufactured different drugs (Ozempic, Mounjaro, etc.). This will mean a lot more work in terms of reviewing written documents, depositions, and expert work up. Fortunately, Plaintiffs have the experience handling this type of MDL and we need to look no further than the Proton Pump Inhibitor MDL where there multiple defendants that manufactured multiple products such as Nexium, Priolosec, Prevacid and others. It will take 3 months for leadership to get formed and then another 3 before the housekeeping items are all in order. Defendants will then move to dismiss the complaint - which I anticipate will be denied. The real question is how big will this MDL get? I except this MDL will have the most new cases filed in 2024 and up to 10,000 cases before the end of 2024. #joedoeslaw #masstorts #mdl #ozempic

The hearing just recessed for a quick moment so congress members could go vote and will be back shortly. From what I've been hearing so far, every single testimonial is asking for reasonable regulations for #hemp-derived #cannabinoid products, NOT re-criminalization or prohibition, but instead seeking practical #solutions that allow the market to flourish while protecting consumers through truth in labeling, standardized testing, packaging and warning requirements, age gates where appropriate, child-resistant packaging, etc. We are in the midst of an enormous moment in #cannabis history where Congress is taking into consideration the public risks of unregulated hemp-derived products and looking for ways to solve for these concerns. The proliferation of #delta8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids is forcing the hand of the federal government in a manner that was unanticipated five years ago when the #2018FarmBill passed. Now is the time to mobilize #cannabistogether so the medical/adult use markets can begin to operate within a framework that is functional and sensible, that protects consumers WITHOUT being #overregulated and #overtaxed, and the hemp market can become #reasonablyregulated so bad actors can be forced out and the industry can thrive as a normal, stable market. The #waronhemp is overshadowing the best opportunity #marijuana has had to create an equitable market that allows for small businesses to be successful, provide an real opportunity for generational wealth building. While #Congress may not have intended for the creation of a supply of #consumable hemp that may have the ability to cause user impairment, the changes to the definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill very clearly show that Congress DID intend to allow a new consumable market to be explored. The market is loud and clear - they want access to these products! #cannabistogether

Kratom, Former US Government Drug Czar reveals shocking details about the FDA's attempts to deceive the public and other government agencies regarding the kratom ban. In a recent video, he exposes the FDA's efforts to hide the benefits and fearmonger about the substance. Watch the full video to learn more about his experience with US drug policy and the truth about kratom. https://lnkd.in/gwF3uNiC