Content
Colorado authorities have seen a large influx of fentanyl over the past year and are expecting to see an increase in overdoses in the coming months. In fact, the CDC announced that fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among adults 18 to 45 in the United States. Colorado has seen an increase in fentanyl overdoses over the past year. As part of that partnership, PNNL’s fentanyl handling and detection experts are helping assess the performance of detection equipment used by emergency responders. The work informs standards and tools for quickly detecting fentanyl and its analogs.
For People Who Use Alone
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through prescription. However, there is a growing trend of people buying fentanyl online, which raises concerns about its safety, legality, and accessibility.
Is It Legal to Buy Fentanyl Online?
Who Is At Risk For A Fentanyl Overdose?
No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl online without a prescription. Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and its distribution and possession are regulated by federal and state laws. Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is a federal crime, and it can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and seizure of assets.
Is It Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
Distribution Part Of Efforts To Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths
No, it is not safe to buy fentanyl online. Fentanyl is a potent drug that can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death even in small doses. When bought online, there is no way to verify the quality, purity, or safety of the drug. It is common for fake fentanyl to be sold online, which can contain dangerous adulterants or be much stronger than intended, leading to accidental overdoses.
FAQs
Fentanyl mixed with Xylazine is an emerging threat in the United States. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the US illicit drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. We have seen only a handful of these cases in Ventura County to date. In 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in Wisconsin where illegally manufactured fentanyl was considered to be probable or suspected in contributing cause of death. Recognizing the value of fentanyl test strips in reducing the harms of drug use, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation in March to allow the test strips to be used in Wisconsin. Fentanyl strips are a reliable way to rapidly detect the presence of fentanyl in illicit drugs.
- Additional fentanyl test kits and doses of NARCAN® will be purchased and distributed with funds made available from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement funds.
- Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone does not reverse its effects.
- Fentanyl is being mixed in with other illicit drugs to increase the potency of the drug, sold as powders and nasal sprays and increasingly pressed into pills made to look like legitimate prescription opioids.
- People who stimulants and non-opioid drugs (other than cannabis) are at significant risk of fentanyl overdose and should carry naloxone, as should people in contact with people who use drugs.
- While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply.
- This study was exempted from IRB review as it was considered non-human subjects research with publicly available data.
- Can I buy fentanyl online legally? No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl online without a prescription.
- Is it safe to buy fentanyl online? No, it is not safe to buy fentanyl online due to the lack of regulation and quality control.
- What are the risks of buying fentanyl online? The risks of buying fentanyl online include accidental overdose, adulteration, and legal consequences.
How to Access Fentanyl Safely
These include online 24/7 tools, groups and workshops, multicultural counseling, one-on-one services and more. If you choose to use substances, or are around people that do, there are practices that help lower the risk of overdose. Xylazine test strips (XTS) are small strips of paper that can be placed within a personal sample of drugs to detect the presence of xylazine. Such strips may be used to inform decisions about drug use practices; for example, upon receiving a positive test result, an individual may opt to not use the drugs or use them in a less risky manner. Unfortunately, despite continued congressional focus on this issue, lives have already been lost. The stories of Charlie Ternan and Sam Berman should be a warning to those considering purchasing drugs online to beware of what they are being sold, even as unassuming or benign it may appear.
If you have a legitimate medical need for fentanyl, the best way to access it is through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. They will be able to assess your condition and determine if fentanyl is the appropriate treatment. They will also be able to provide you with proper dosing instructions and monitor your response to the medication.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, there are resources available to help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a confidential and free helpline (1-800-662-HELP) that can connect you with local treatment facilities and support services.
Conclusion
Buying fentanyl online is not a safe or legal option. Fentanyl is a potent drug that should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. If you have a medical need for fentanyl, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to access it safely. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seek professional help and support.
