Understanding Fentanyl in Weed
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Initially developed for pain management, fentanyl is used in medical settings due to its effective yet potent analgesic properties.
What Is Fentanyl in Weed?
Fentanyl in weed refers to marijuana potentially being laced with fentanyl.
An incredibly potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl-laced cannabis is one type of opioid abuse that poses a significant public health concern.
Is Fentanyl in Weed a Real Threat?
Yes, and the implications of such adulteration can be severe and multifaceted.
Synthetic fentanyl is often added to other drugs to enhance their effects, reduce costs, and increase dependency among users.
Why Would Fentanyl Be in Weed?
Potential reasons include accidental contamination, intentional lacing, misinformation, or economic motivations.
Dealers may be motivated to use fentanyl as an additive to other substances to increase margins.
What Is the Risk of Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana?
Fentanyl’s extreme potency can lead to an overdose very quickly, especially in individuals with no opioid tolerance.
Someone who is overdosing may experience the following:
- Severe respiratory depression: Breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops altogether
- Unconsciousness: Individuals may lose consciousness rapidly, which is dangerous without immediate intervention
- Cyanosis: A sign of insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s tissues, characterized by blueish skin, lips, or fingernails
- Coma: A deep state of unconsciousness that can be life-threatening and may lead to permanent brain damage
- Death: High-potency fentanyl can cause death rapidly if not promptly treated
The Likelihood of Fentanyl-Laced Weed
How Often Is Weed Laced With Fentanyl?
It’s difficult to estimate how often the presence of fentanyl in marijuana occurs.
While not commonplace, fentanyl-laced weed poses a significant threat due to the opioid’s lethal potential, even in minute quantities.
Are Confirmed Cases of Fentanyl in Weed Increasing?
No, cases of weed containing fentanyl continue to be rare.
Can Cross-Contamination Happen During Drug Distribution?
Yes, drug cross-contamination usually occurs when drug residues from a previous batch mix with a new product.
Other times, it occurs when pharmaceuticals come into contact with equipment, surfaces, or packaging materials that are shared.
Is Fentanyl Being Added to Weed Gummies?
There is no scientific evidence that shows that fentanyl is being added to regulated cannabis gummies.
While isolated incidents have occurred in unregulated or illegal markets, the Office of Cannabis Management reports that because illegal markets lack quality control, precautions are necessary to ensure consumer safety.
Can Fentanyl Be Found in Vape Products or Edibles?
Yes, fentanyl can be found in illegally distributed vape products and edibles.
While not common, counterfeit markets often mix fentanyl into THC to increase potency or create synthetic highs. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued warnings and conducted seizures of illegal cartridges containing fentanyl and related synthetic compounds.
Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous
Why Is Fentanyl More Dangerous Than Other Opioids?
The DEA reports that fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin, meaning the threshold for toxicity is reached much more quickly.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Body?
The absorption of fentanyl causes drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and impaired decision-making, as well as slowed or labored breathing, muscle spasms, and decreased heart rate/blood pressure.
What Is Respiratory Depression?
Respiratory depression occurs when breathing is too slow or shallow to move enough air into and out of the lungs.
This causes carbon dioxide to build up in the blood and leads to organ damage, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest. Opioid-induced respiratory depression is the primary cause of death in overdoses.
How Little Fentanyl Can Cause an Overdose?
A microscopic amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose.
A dose as small as 2 mg – the size of a few grains of sand – can lead to a fatal overdose.
Why Are Fatal Overdoses Increasing in the United States?
Overall, fatal overdoses are actually currently decreasing in the U.S.
Past increases in fatal overdoses were mostly due to illicit synthetic opioids like fentanyl being added to drug supplies.
Can Someone Overdose Without Knowing Fentanyl Was Present?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose without knowing fentanyl is present.
Fentanyl can be used as a filler or cutting agent, in addition to counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Exposure
What Are the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose?
Symptoms include unresponsiveness, slow/stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, cold/clammy skin, and bluish/grayish lips/nails.
Symptoms may also include gurgling, choking, or other snorting sounds, as well as limp muscles.
What Does Fentanyl Intoxication Look Like?
Fentanyl intoxication appears as extreme drowsiness, a limp body, gurgling or snoring sounds, or foaming at the mouth.
Someone experiencing fentanyl intoxication may also seem to be in a stupor or exhibit choking sounds.
Can Drowsiness Be a Sign of Opioid Exposure?
Yes, drowsiness is a central sign of opioid exposure.
Drowsiness, mental fog, and sedation are common side effects due to opioids acting as depressants on the central nervous system (CNS).
How Quickly Can Fentanyl Cause an Overdose?
Fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose almost immediately.
When fentanyl is smoked, aerosolized, or injected, fast absorption causes effects in the brain and body very rapidly. Other methods of ingesting fentanyl may cause delayed effects, which still present as a rapid onset of symptoms.
What Should You Do if Someone Stops Breathing?
Immediately call 911, administer naloxone (Narcan) if possible, and perform rescue breathing.
If someone stops breathing due to a fentanyl overdose, it’s important to act fast. Roll the affected person onto their side to keep their airway clear.
When Should You Call 911 for a Suspected Overdose?
Call 911 immediately if you suspect a fentanyl overdose.
If the person is not breathing, has slowed breathing, a limp body, or discolored lips and nails, get medical help.
Naloxone, Narcan, and Overdose Prevention
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.
It quickly removes opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, from the brain’s receptors to block dangerous effects.
How Does Narcan Reverse an Opioid Overdose?
Naloxone displaces opioids from receptors in the brain.
Naloxone attaches to the body’s mu receptors, found in the central nervous system and brainstem. Because it attaches more strongly than opioids, naloxone knocks opioids off the receptor sites.
Should Cannabis Users Carry Naloxone?
Yes, public health experts, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, strongly recommend carrying naloxone.
Individuals who use cannabis that may be laced with synthetic opioids like fentanyl should carry naloxone.
Can Narcan Help During a Fentanyl Overdose?
Yes, Narcan can help during a fentanyl overdose.
Narcan is a powerful opioid antagonist that quickly binds to the brain’s opioid receptors to displace the fentanyl and temporarily block its effects.
What Are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are small paper strips used to test drug supplies, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills for fentanyl contamination.
How Do Harm Reduction Strategies Prevent Overdose Deaths?
Harm reduction strategies reduce overdose deaths, identify contaminants, and help avoid the spread of disease.
Naloxone displaces opioids from brain receptors to reverse the causes of fatal overdoses, while test strips confirm the presence of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the drug supply. Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) also provide safe disposal sites for those with opioid use disorder.
Can Marijuana Use Lead to Exposure to Other Drugs?
While cannabis use doesn’t directly lead to the use of other drugs, it can expose individuals to other drug use.
This idea is called the common liability model, which occurs when shared genetic, environmental, and social factors can make certain individuals more vulnerable to substance use disorder.
Why Are Illicit Drugs Becoming More Dangerous?
Illicit drugs are more dangerous because the unregulated market contains a high level of synthetic chemicals.
This is especially true of fentanyl and other opioids, which contribute to a highly toxic drug supply.
Can Polysubstance Use Increase Overdose Risk?
Yes, polysubstance use increases the risk of an overdose by complicating bodily reactions.
Polysubstance use, or mixing different substances, can cause unpredictable chemical interactions within the body.
How Are Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Sometimes Mixed?
Users sometimes mix methamphetamine and fentanyl to achieve a more intense high.
Others use meth to balance out the sedation caused by fentanyl. Mixture can also occur due to equipment that has been contaminated with fentanyl.
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health condition involving an uncontrollable use of substances.
This treatable condition may include dependence on substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or opioids. SUD leads to impaired functioning, intense cravings, and physical dependence.
How Does Substance Use Affect Mental Health?
Substance use worsens existing mental health conditions by altering brain chemistry.
Substance use can affect brain structure and chemistry, which increases the chances of developing mental health conditions, such as psychosis, anxiety, or depression.
Treatment for Fentanyl and Opioid Addiction
What Treatment Options Are Available for Opioid Addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), along with evidence-based therapies, is a common treatment approach for opioid addiction.
At Align Recovery Centers, we offer MAT as part of the detox process for opioid addiction. MAT combines the use of medications with behavioral therapies to ease withdrawal symptoms and help clients transition into residential treatment.
What Happens During Fentanyl Detox?
Fentanyl detox focuses on safely clearing the substance from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms.
Align Recovery Centers provides fentanyl detox through 24/7 medical monitoring by healthcare professionals, psychiatric oversight, and medication management to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.
Can Opioid Withdrawal Be Dangerous?
While opioid withdrawal is not generally dangerous, it carries a risk of complications.
Withdrawal complications can include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and an elevated risk of overdose.
How Does Residential Addiction Treatment Help?
Residential treatment addresses the root cause of addiction so clients can focus on long-term sobriety.
At Align Recovery Centers, our residential treatment programs offer a structured level of care, complemented by ongoing clinical services and stabilization following detox.
What Therapies Help Treat Opioid Use Disorder?
A combination of MAT and evidence-based therapies helps treat opioid addiction.
Align’s treatment for opioid use disorder includes approved medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, combined with behavioral therapies to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
How Are Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions Treated Alongside Addiction?
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring mental health conditions that go hand in hand with SUD.
At Align, our dual diagnosis treatment program focuses on the root cause of addiction, which is often other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Helping a Loved One After a Suspected Overdose
What Should You Do if a Loved One Overdoses?
Call 911 immediately and lay them on their side to prevent choking.
Be prepared to perform rescue breathing if necessary and administer naloxone (Narcan) if available.
How Can Families Talk About Fentanyl Risks?
Focus non-judgmental communication on medication safety and the danger of counterfeit pills.
Do research through health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse on how to be prepared with lifesaving resources, such as Narcan.
What Are the Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction includes several physical and psychological warning signs.
Physical signs include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, respiratory issues, flu-like symptoms, and skin discoloration. Psychological signs include mood swings, withdrawal, and a decrease in work/school performance.
How Can Families Support Recovery After an Overdose?
After an overdose, families can offer non-judgmental emotional support and actively manage harm reduction.
It is also recommended to keep Narcan on hand in case of a recurring overdose.
Our comprehensive fentanyl treatment approach at Align Recovery Centers includes family support and education to keep families well-informed about the tools necessary to make informed decisions.
When Should Someone Seek Professional Treatment?
Professional treatment may be needed if you experience the following:
- Inability to handle work or school responsibilities
- Continuous mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Shifts in eating or sleeping habits
- Social withdrawal
How Does Ongoing Support Help Prevent Relapse?
Ongoing support prevents relapse by addressing the psychological, social, and emotional triggers leading to addiction.
Continued care includes therapy, peer groups, and community building, which all help reduce isolation, build coping skills, provide accountability, and help clients manage stress.
Public Health Concerns About Fentanyl in Weed
Why Are Public Health Agencies Warning About Fentanyl?
Public health agency concerns about fentanyl are based on how strong an opioid it is.
The rise of fatal overdoses and unintentional exposure to outside contaminants also makes fentanyl a growing concern among health agencies.
What Role Do the CDC and DEA Play in Overdose Prevention?
The CDC handles the public health response to overdose prevention, while the DEA focuses on public safety.
Overdose prevention includes tracking trends, providing community funding, and promoting harm reduction. The DEA is focused on law enforcement, scheduling controlled substances, and regulating prescription drugs.
How Are Law Enforcement and Toxicology Reports Investigating Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana?
Law enforcement and toxicology reports analyze samples and test street drugs to learn more about fentanyl-laced marijuana.
The Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTN) reports that biological samples that indicate fentanyl contamination include blood, urine, and gastric contents.
Are Legal Dispensaries Safer Than Street Marijuana?
Legal dispensaries undergo rigorous testing and regulation, making them a safer source.
Purchasing any drug from unverified sources increases the risk of contamination.
How Can People Reduce the Risk of Fentanyl Exposure?
Avoid touching, tasting, or sniffing unidentified powders, prescription pills, or liquids.
It’s important to consider any pills not directly from a pharmacy as potentially containing fentanyl. Keep any fentanyl source in a secure location out of reach of children and pets, and use drug take-back programs to dispose of unused medication.
What Should People Know About Buying Cannabis Outside Licensed Dispensaries?
Buying cannabis outside licensed dispensaries can lead to serious health risks.
Unlicensed cannabis sources don’t undergo normally enforced testing, may include synthetic additives, or may incorrectly calculate potency, which makes them more of a danger to consumers.
FAQs
Can you see or smell fentanyl in marijuana?
No, you cannot see, smell, or taste fentanyl in marijuana.
Fentanyl is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless synthetic opioid that can be lethal even in very small doses.
Can fentanyl test strips detect contaminated cannabis?
Yes, fentanyl test strips can detect contaminated cannabis but come with limitations.
Because cannabis doesn’t dissolve as easily as powders and pills, an accurate reading is very difficult to get.
Is fentanyl found more often in illegal drugs than in dispensary products?
Yes, fentanyl is found more often in illegal drugs than in regulated dispensary products.
Within the illegal drug market, fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs to make them more potent and addictive.
Can someone recover after a fentanyl overdose?
Yes, people can recover after a fentanyl overdose.
Recovery is more possible with overdose-reversal medications like naloxone (Narcan).
What are the long-term effects of opioid use?
Long-term opioid use results in systemic, neurological, and physical issues.
Beyond developing opioid tolerance and dependence, individuals can also experience hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), endocrine issues, cognitive deficits, and an increased risk of organ damage.