Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain relief, but it is also commonly abused for its euphoric effects. Unfortunately, the illegal buying and selling of fentanyl has become a major public health concern.
We’ve seen that with naloxone [used to treat overdose] and naloxone distribution. Counties that have greater access to naloxone have lower rates of overdose death, and that’s been shown here in Massachusetts. They’re important because we live in an era of contaminated drug supply.
Fentanyl Testing
Online Marketplaces
- The vape pens contain THC resin which potentially holds up to 60 percent of THC inside the cartridge.
- It was more effective using words like “Percs” or “Percocet “or “Oxy’s” rather than opioids or opiates.
- Michael Marquesen first noticed about a year ago that fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, had hit the streets of Los Angeles.
One common place where people buy fentanyl is online marketplaces on the dark web. These websites operate on encrypted networks that allow users to remain anonymous. Buyers can purchase fentanyl using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, making it difficult for law enforcement to track these transactions.
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Many participants asked where they could get fentanyl test strips and indicated a desire to distribute them to their own networks. The first phase of the fentanyl test strip distribution program is funded by $1.25 million from Wisconsin’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, and is one of many strategies DHS is using to reduce the harms of drug use. Since 2019, 134,280 doses of NARCAN® have been distributed at no cost through community agencies to people who use opioids or drugs that could be mixed with opioids, and their families and friends. So far this year, more than 5,000 overdoses have been reversed with NARCAN® distributed through this program. NARCAN® also can be purchased at more than 500 pharmacies without a prescription under a standing order.
Street Dealers
Family Health
Another option for purchasing fentanyl is through street dealers. These individuals may sell fentanyl alone or mix it with other substances like heroin or cocaine. Buying fentanyl from street dealers is extremely dangerous, as the drug’s potency can vary greatly and lead to overdose.
Test Your Drugs And Use Slowly
Testing drugs for fentanyl can save lives, Joshua O’Neal with the Fulton County Board of Health said. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have spiked since the start of the pandemic, rising more than 106% between May 2020 and April 2021. A person prepares heroin, placing a fentanyl test strip into the mixing container to check for contamination, Wednesday Aug. 22, 2018, in New York.
Pharmaceutical Sources
Locations where NARCAN® is available can be found on the DHS website. DHS also encourages hepatitis C and HIV screening as part of an ongoing drug user health initiative. As a result of this grant, many local health departments and harm reduction centers now provide fentanyl test strips. You can check with your local health department for availability and information on where to buy fentanyl test strips in your community.
Some people may obtain fentanyl through illegitimate means from pharmaceutical sources. This could involve stealing prescription pads or falsifying prescriptions to obtain the drug. Others may work in healthcare settings and have access to fentanyl for illicit purposes.
In conclusion,
Buying fentanyl is illegal without a prescription, and the consequences of using this drug can be deadly. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl abuse, seek help from a medical professional or addiction treatment center immediately.
