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A rash of bills introduced in at least 20 states would limit trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care — and opponents say they echo some of the arguments anti-abortion groups put forth about women’s safety as they attempted to shut down clinics. Like abortion restrictions, the trans bills would expand states’ power over highly personal medical decisions. Backers of these bills, and groups that have initiated some court cases related to trans health, also make claims about the treatment’s risks — although leading medical associations say that gender-affirming treatment is safe, and that delaying or blocking it can create harm. (Kenen, 8/8)

With the House unable to conduct business without a quorum and amid a spike in COVID-19 cases linked to the delta variant, a Texas Senate committee moved forward with hearings Sunday and advanced two bills prioritized by Gov. Greg Abbott in the second special session that began Saturday. The Texas House did not have a quorum Saturday because of Democrats still said to be in Washington, D.C., lobbying for federal voting rights legislation. Additionally, about 10 members had tested positive for COVID-19. Only 81 of the 150 House members were present at the Texas Capitol on Saturday. (O'Hanlon, 8/8)

Starting Sept. 1, cannabis retailers and manufacturers can sell edible products with 10 milligrams of THC per serving. That’s double the 5mg limit that has been on the books since Alaska’s legal cannabis industry opened its doors to retail customers in 2016. While that might sound like a large, potent step up in an evolving retail category that includes everything from cookies to gummy candies to ice cream and fruit sodas, it brings Alaska’s relatively conservative regulations in line with what other state’s have adopted. “I don’t consider this a substantive change,” said Marijuana Control Board Chair Nicholas Miller during the body’s June meeting, where the regulation was changed. (Hughes, 8/8)

A public service video from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department about the dangers of fentanyl — with footage of a deputy allegedly overdosing after brief exposure — has sparked a backlash and allegations that the anti-drug effort could harm the very people it’s meant to help: law enforcement officers and drug users. The body-worn camera video is stark and dramatic. A young sheriff’s deputy opens the back of a suspect‘s car, sees a white powder he thinks is fentanyl and then collapses to the pavement. His field training officer rips open a package of naloxone, the antidote to the deadly drug, and vows: “I’m not going to let you die.” (La Ganga, 8/8)

The most sought after marijuana being trafficked across the U.S.-Mexico border is now the weed entering Mexico, not the weed leaving it. Cannabis sold legally in California is heading south illegally, dominating a booming boutique market across Mexico, where buying and selling the drug is still outlawed. Mexican dealers flaunt their U.S. products, noting them in bold lettering on menus sent to select clients: “IMPORTADO.” (Sieff, 8/8)