They say fentanyl is selling for anywhere from 50 cents to $5 a pill, depending on location and dealer-user relationships. Det. Cardinale describes vaping as the gateway drug that leads to more serious drug use including cocaine and Fentanyl. The vape pens contain THC resin which potentially holds up to 60 percent of THC inside the cartridge. According to the FDA, THC is the abbreviation for the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive component or substance of the marijuana plant.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
When using drugs, start with a very small amount and go slow to test the strength. Delaware’s Good Samaritan Law offers criminal and civil protection for individuals acting in good faith to assist someone who has overdosed on drugs or alcohol. Some states consider them drug paraphernalia (items you need to consume drugs). For example, fentanyl test strips remain illegal in Texas despite their ability to save lives by preventing fatal overdoses. Mark was also worried about his probation status if another urinalysis screened positive for fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used in medical settings for pain management, particularly in patients undergoing surgery or those suffering from chronic pain. However, its potency also makes it a subject of concern due to the risks of addiction and overdose. If you’re asking can I buy fentanyl, it’s essential to understand the implications and legality surrounding its purchase.
For example, when China announced it would ban one fentanyl product, called U-47700, on July 1, one fentanyl dealer advertised a “hot sale” of the product through June. “All must go till 1 of July,” the “special offer” read, according to the report. Five or six times a day, a man from Texas injects a dose of carefully measured fentanyl. He does it when he wakes up and before he goes to work, and sometimes on breaks. It makes him drowsy, but he says people can’t usually tell he just used.
Scott (Black, man, 27, methamphetamine) had used heroin for years and had transitioned completely away from opioids to methamphetamine use. He wanted to use fentanyl test strips to ensure he was not exposed to an opioid and the attending risks of return to use of that class of drugs. The powerful opioid fentanyl has been found in everything from methamphetamine and cocaine to marijuana and fake Adderall pills.
The rise in use and overdoses are described as well as some of the reasons for these changes. Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described. In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form. Police evidence that looked like black tar heroin actually was heroin in 95% of cases, suggesting that fentanyl was rarely in “heroin” in 2020.
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. These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer. Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it. The participating organizations are handing out the packages at no cost.
Naloxone can reverse any opioid overdose, whether it’s from heroin, fentanyl, or analogues like carfentanil. If you don’t have naloxone on hand during an opioid overdose, rescue breaths are essential. Opioid overdose deaths are increasing at a devastating rate and many point to fentanyl alone as the culprit. The city has taken steps such as hiring outreach workers, training emergency responders and enhancing resources to support recovery.
Most counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but they can also look like hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications. These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon. Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®.
Legal Status of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries, which means it is available only through a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Here are some key points regarding its legal status:
- In the United States, can I buy fentanyl legally? You must have a valid prescription.
- Any attempts to purchase fentanyl without a prescription are illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Online pharmacies may advertise fentanyl for sale without a prescription; however, purchasing from these sources is highly risky and illegal.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is utilized in various medical scenarios:
- Can I buy fentanyl if I’m undergoing surgery? Yes, but it will be administered by healthcare professionals.
- Chronic pain patients may receive fentanyl patches as part of their pain management plan.
- Fentanyl is also often used in combination with other medications for more effective pain relief.
Risks of Using Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl without proper medical guidance can lead to significant health risks:
- Overdose potential due to its potency.
- Addiction and substance use disorder can develop rapidly.
- Risk of acquiring counterfeit products when purchasing from unregulated sources.
- If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below.
- Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage.
- Once the primary survey was complete, participants then received a brief in-person one-on-one training on how to use rapid fentanyl test strips.
- If you inject drugs, you should try to test every time you inject.
- Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping.
- Learning about drug myths is just as helpful a harm reduction and overdose prevention tool as fentanyl test strips.
FAQs
What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your pain management options. If necessary, they can evaluate your situation and determine if fentanyl is appropriate for your treatment plan.
Can I get fentanyl over the counter?
No, fentanyl is not available over the counter. It requires a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Colorado Laws Offer Protection In Cases Of Drug Overdose
What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Cold, clammy skin
- Purple or blue coloration around the lips or fingertips
Conclusion
To summarize, while can I buy fentanyl might seem like a straightforward question, the legality and safety surrounding this medication are complex. Always prioritize safety and legality by consulting with a healthcare professional before attempting to acquire fentanyl or any opioid medication.
