The effort specifically targets instruments used by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and first responders that use spectral libraries to identify unknown samples suspected of containing illicit drugs. These include, but are not limited to, field-portable gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, high-pressure mass spectrometers, ion mobility spectrometers, Raman spectrometers, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers. It is one of the most potent opioids known and used commercially. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, carfentanyl is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine, 100 times more than fentanyl, and 50 times more than heroin. Marketed under the trade name Wildnil®, it is used as a general anesthetic for very large animals. Modern internet e-commerce enabled individual players, small-scale drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), and large-scale DTOs with their own production facilities to flood the illicit drug market with fentanyl.
Understanding the Risks: Can You Buy Fentanyl Online?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is known for its potent analgesic properties. It is often used medically to manage severe pain, particularly in patients who are undergoing surgery or suffering from chronic pain conditions. However, fentanyl is also notorious for its association with substance abuse and overdose deaths. This brings us to the critical question: Can you buy fentanyl online?
Even though research has confirmed that fentanyl test strips are an accurate, low-cost, and relatively easy method of testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl, they aren’t always a 100% guarantee. Ideally, it’s best to use them every time you use, but it may not be realistic for everyone. It is not possible to give so much naloxone so as to harm a person. Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious. If the person gets too much naloxone, try to explain to them that their withdrawal symptoms will begin to fade in a half hour or so.
These attributes made it a good prescription choice for some patients, because it reduced some of the risks of medical complications that other pain relievers have. But accidental overdoses from legal prescriptions pale in comparison to deaths attributed to illegally imported versions of the drug and its analogs starting in the late 1990s. The effectiveness of the drug, combined with user-friendly delivery methods, drew the attention of bad actors seeking to profit from its potency.
- The availability of black-market fentanyl and fentanyl analogs led to a U.S. opioid epidemic that continues to cause thousands of overdose deaths each year and destroy families and communities in the process.
- Programs include screenings for substance use, trainings, identity workshops, and more.
- In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, HSI seized nearly 2,400 pounds of fentanyl nationally.
- The underlying message of the report was that the US Postal Service should do more to crack down on these illicit shipments.
- These strips can be a useful harm reduction tool for people who drugs.
- The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl.
CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety. 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 image below shows a listing disguised as “synthetic China White”. Elliptic’s investigation into the role of crypto in the fentanyl trade has uncovered that these rules are often not strictly enforced. Many vendors still sell fentanyl on mainstream dark web markets, disguised using names such as “China White” and hashtags such as “fetty” or “synthetic”. Cronin’s investigators went online and discovered overseas labs offering most any illegal drug. Attorney Matt Cronin wonder where all the fentanyl was coming from. The target of an investigation, a low-level drug dealer, had the answer.
The Online Market for Fentanyl
This process is rarely instantaneous; respiratory depression can last over the course of minutes to several hours after the drug was used until a person stops breathing completely. This means there is usually time to intervene between when an overdose starts and the person’s death. We’re educating providers more about how to not stigmatize people, to treat people where they are, as they are. And at the state Capitol and with policy-makers, we’re advocating for balanced policy on fentanyl, especially increasing access to treatment across the state. What changed was, in the early 19th century, Friedrich Sertürner isolated the active ingredient in opium, which is morphine.
The idea of purchasing fentanyl online can be alluring due to the anonymity and convenience it offers. However, the reality of obtaining this drug online poses significant dangers. Here are some key points to consider:
Xylazine
- Many websites claiming to sell fentanyl may be illegal or unregulated.
- The risk of counterfeit drugs is high. These drugs may contain dangerous substances.
- Purchasing fentanyl from unverified sources could result in severe legal consequences.
- Online purchases offer no medical oversight, increasing the potential for misuse and overdose.
Legal Considerations
In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification means:
- It is illegal to buy, sell, or possess fentanyl without a valid prescription.
- Online pharmacies require licenses and must follow strict regulations.
- Websites that offer fentanyl without a prescription are likely operating illegally.
Health Risks Associated with Purchasing Fentanyl Online
Even if one could legally acquire fentanyl online, the health risks involved are substantial:
- Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making the margin for error incredibly small.
- Overdose is a significant risk, with symptoms including respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and potential death.
- Users may be unaware of the dosage, purity, and other ingredients in counterfeit versions.
Alternatives and Safe Practices
If pain management is required, consider safer alternatives:
- Consult a licensed healthcare professional for a prescription that suits your needs.
- Explore non-opioid pain management methods, such as physical therapy or over-the-counter medications.
- Engage in community support groups for addiction recovery if needed.
FAQs
Can I get fentanyl from a legitimate online pharmacy?
Yes, but only if the pharmacy is properly licensed, requires a valid prescription, and adheres to regulatory standards.
What is the danger of buying fentanyl from the dark web?
Purchasing fentanyl from the dark web poses extreme risks, including receiving counterfeit products and facing legal action.
What should I do if I or someone I know is struggling with fentanyl use?
Seek professional help immediately. Contact a healthcare provider or a local addiction support service for assistance.
Are there legal ways to obtain fentanyl online?
Yes, but only through licensed online pharmacies with a legitimate prescription from a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, while the notion of buying fentanyl online might seem appealing, the associated risks—both legal and health-related—are substantial. It is vital to approach this powerful drug with caution and to prioritize safety and legality by consulting healthcare professionals. Avoid unregulated online sources to ensure your health and well-being.
