[ehsankia]

While the number seems small (still much bigger than what Purdue and others ended up paying by settling early instead of dragging it), it's worth noting that it's only in one state. They could potentially all go through the same process in all states, as this was a widespread issue. But even then I agree that it still doesn't come close to the amount of pain and suffering they caused.

[tyingq]

I wonder if it's limited to all states. Feels like a door is open for individuals, and perhaps other things like cities, counties, etc. I'm imagining some sort of J&J all-hands-on-deck meeting tommorow.

[acomjean]

And yet somehow opioids are still legal.

They've had a Opoid conference in Boston the past few years.

http://opioidconference.org

This seems to be an attempt by the states to reign in egregiously bad behavior by these businesses/ doctors that are supposed to be federally regulated (which frankly seemed to be lacking). Opioids things seem addictive enough to warrant some review on if there aren't other pain-killers that can replace them completely perhaps excepting in a few exceptional circumstances.

[deelowe]

Opeoids work when used correctly. No one is arguing that they should be banned. Doctors just need to not be lied to so that they don't prescribe highly addictive substances thinking they aren't.

[adrianN]

Why would you want to make them illegal? What do you plan to give terminally ill cancer patients or people with extensive burns for example?

[goatlover]

Because making a substance illegal has worked so well!