Mayor Signs Executive Order To Decriminalize Fentanyl Test Strips
Recently, a group of investigators with the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations Googled “buy fentanyl online” on the open internet, then homed in on the six sites that were most responsive to their requests. An investigator on the committee, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the findings, said these represent a tiny fraction of the hundreds of fentanyl-selling sites on the web. The U.S. has sealed off the overseas bank accounts of Guanghua Zheng and his son. The feds also shut down what prosecutors say were the Zheng’s 40 websites selling illegal drugs in 20 languages.
- In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder.
- Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips are available confidentially and at no cost.
- For information on how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer Naloxone, and use fentanyl test strips, please follow the provided instructions.
- DanceSafe fentanyl test strips have been laboratory-assessed to work for harm reduction purposes, as opposed to just urine testing.
This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react. This is why it’s best to assume that all drugs not prescribed and handed to you by a pharmacist are mixed with fentanyl, xylazine, or other drugs. Fentanyl and xylazine are harmful additives that can increase the risk of overdose.
Understanding Fentanyl and the Importance of Safety
In 2020, 1,580 New Yorkers died from a fentanyl-involved overdose. Over the past year, King County has been working with community organizations to expand access to both tools—leading to the distribution of over 100,000 fentanyl test strips and over 13,000 naloxone kits. In recent years, fentanyl has been increasingly found in other illicit drugs such as counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. It is significantly stronger than morphine and has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Because of its potency, finding a legal and safe method to buy fentanyl is crucial.
But a growing number of health and public policy experts are supporting their use along with other harm-reduction strategies. If someone is unconscious or has any of these signs, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. Refer to the Save Lives Oregon “Reverse Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Nasal Spray” guide (pdf) for the six steps to reverse an opioid overdose.
Where is Fentanyl Used?
Fentanyl is commonly prescribed for the following conditions:
- Severe pain management, especially in cancer patients
- Post-surgical pain relief
- Palliative care
China had promised to do that, but last month President Trump accused China of not following through. Treasury announced further sanctions on the Zhengs, designating both father and son as “foreign drug kingpins,” preventing American citizens from doing any business with them. The United States Postal System has been, for many years, the most reliable way to smuggle drugs from China to the U.S. Cronin’s investigators went online and discovered overseas labs offering most any illegal drug. He says he has never seen anything like the boom in fentanyl cases here in the San Joaquin Valley.
And considering the potency of fentanyl, even a small amount can be deadly. This has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths related to fentanyl use, as many people may not realize they are consuming the drug. If you’re concerned about the presence of fentanyl in drugs you or someone you know may be using, fentanyl testing strips (FTS) can be an essential tool to help ensure your safety.
The report recommends that all international packages start to include what they call “advanced electronic data”—special information on bar codes that could help flag drug-bearing packages for postal workers. To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity. He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver. (The Senate investigators did not actually make any purchases.) Or, these so-called “clearnet” sites lead to arrests. “The feds are very on top of the clearnet markets,” he said.
How Can I Buy Fentanyl Safely?
Buying fentanyl requires careful consideration of legality and safety. Here are steps to follow:
- Consult a Medical Professional: The first step is to have a consultation with a healthcare provider. They will assess your medical condition and determine if a fentanyl prescription is appropriate.
- Obtain a Prescription: If deemed necessary, your doctor can prescribe fentanyl. This can be in the form of patches, lozenges, or injectable forms.
- Visit a Licensed Pharmacy: Always purchase fentanyl from a licensed, reputable pharmacy. Avoid buying from street vendors or illegitimate online sources.
- Verify the Medication: Upon receiving your prescription, confirm that the medication is correctly labeled and matches what was prescribed.
Understanding the Risks
Buying fentanyl without a prescription or from unverified sources poses serious health risks, including:
- Increased likelihood of overdose
- Potential for harmful impurities in illicitly obtained drugs
- Legal consequences depending on local laws
FAQs About Buying Fentanyl
1. Can I buy fentanyl online?
It is illegal to purchase fentanyl online without a valid prescription. Always consult with a healthcare provider.
2. What should I do if I suspect fentanyl misuse?
If you believe someone is misusing fentanyl, seek help immediately. Contact medical professionals or local authorities for advice.
3. Are there alternative pain relief medications to fentanyl?
Yes, there are several alternatives to fentanyl that may be suitable, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other less potent opioids. Discuss options with your healthcare provider.
4. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs include:
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Blue or purple skin, especially around lips and fingertips
Always prioritize safety when considering how to buy fentanyl or any potent medication.
