Fentanyl Mixing Trend
In the Connecticut story, the 39 people who reportedly overdosed all said they’d only used marijuana. However, those overdoses led to only one confirmed case of fentanyl-laced marijuana. Investigators now say accidental contamination likely caused that. Even after confirmation of just one contamination, authorities say there is still a risk of fentanyl-laced weed for people across the country.
In Idaho for example, there was a story about a couple accused of selling fentanyl-laced weed. They’ve since been arrested and each charged with multiple crimes.
Authorities around the country are responding to opioid overdoses daily, and fentanyl is increasingly being found in counterfeit prescription opioid pills, meth and cocaine. Now, that’s extended to marijuana.
What is fentanyl, and why is it so deadly?
- Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that’s synthetically produced.
- According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is anywhere from 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Whether someone knowingly or unknowingly consumes fentanyl, they are at a high risk of an opioid overdose because of its potency.
- Much of the fentanyl entering the United States comes from illegal labs in Mexico, where it’s then moved across the border.
Fentanyl may be mixed with other drugs because of its potency. Drug dealers can traffic smaller amounts but maintain the same expected effects of drugs. Unfortunately, with the increase in potency comes the risk of death with even just a small amount. When end users don’t know they’re using fentanyl, the risk of an overdose and death is extraordinarily high.There are also situations where even the person selling drugs doesn’t know they contain fentanyl. Also, cross-contamination can occur because dealers are handling multiple substances at the same time.