Colorado Wins Millions in Court From Store’s Role in Opioid Crisis

If you’ve been keeping up with the times as of late in Colorado, you probably are well aware of the drama surrounding the Kroger and Albertsons merger.

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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a suit against the two grocery giants, claiming that the merger went against antitrust laws. Many different states also followed with lawsuits of their own.

A couple of different revelations have taken place over the course of these trials. In Colorado, it has been proposed that the only way this merger can go through is if Safeway sells nearly all of their Colorado locations to C&S Wholesale Grocer. This means Piggly Wiggly could become a major brand in the state.

An even bigger revelation was when an official for Kroger seemingly admitted that the company has price gouged its customers, pricing essential items like eggs and milk past inflation levels.

As it would turn out, the merger isn’t the only thing Weiser and Kroger have beef with.

How Did the Opioid Epidemic Get Started in Colorado?

In the 2000s and 2010s, a concerning trend that swept the nation was an opioid crisis on scales we hadn’t seen in a long time.

In 2018, Colorado reported a staggering 543 deaths tied specifically to opioid misuse. 

While the use of injection drugs like heroin increased, what was incredibly concerning was the increase in doctors prescribing opioids to patients. 

To be more specific, the state noticed a rapid and steady increase in doctors prescribing people hydrocodone and oxycodone in lue of other treatments. 

They also found that in rural areas that had less access to treatment, opioids were being prescribed at a much higher rate.

In recent years, it has been found that pharmaceutical companies not only were aware of the increased sales of opioids, but encouraged doctors, pharmacies, and grocery stores to get on board to make money off addiction. 

Now, these companies are paying the price. 

Colorado Gets $70 Million from Kroger for Involvement in Opioid Crisis

Phil Weiser is one of many states that have filed lawsuits against companies who knowingly created the opioid crisis across the country.

Many of these companies are now settling out of court, with states winning millions and sometimes billions to pay for damages and treatment for people.

On Monday, it was announced that Colorado would be receiving $70 million from Kroger for their involvement.

Kroger, who owns the brand King Soopers, had to pay out settlements to 30 different states totalling $1.37 billion. 

Even though they paid out over $1 billion, they still are able to claim that they are not liable for any wrongdoing.

While that may sting for many, it will help with treatment for people battling addiction. Overall, Colorado has received $790 in settlements from companies involved in the opioid crisis.