Fentanyl-Laced Weed: Dangers And Effects

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has been known to be used as a cutting agent or lacing agent in drugs and medications that are found on the street.

Drugs that are most commonly laced with fentanyl are cocaine, heroin, Xanax, and methamphetamine, although there have been rumors of marijuana being laced with it as well.

Both fentanyl and marijuana are central nervous system depressants that decrease a person’s heart rate and lower blood pressure, and using them together is not considered safe.

When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, it may raise the risk of overdose.

Is Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana Real?

You have likely read about the opioid crisis in the United States in the news or on social media. Fentanyl-laced drugs play a large role in this public health crisis.

At this point in time, however, there is no clear evidence of fentanyl-laced marijuana beyond rumors and urban legends.

It would be very difficult to hide fentanyl in marijuana and there has never been a laboratory-confirmed case of fentanyl-laced marijuana.

However, while fentanyl-laced marijuana is unlikely, it is still a possibility and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Financial Factors

Fentanyl is more expensive than marijuana, so it does not make sense for a drug dealer to lace their product with fentanyl as a way to make more money.

Possible Cross Contamination

It is possible that a person or drug dealer handling both marijuana and fentanyl could accidentally contaminate the marijuana with fentanyl.

Smoking marijuana that is contaminated with fentanyl could be dangerous, as it only takes a small amount of fentanyl to overdose.

Other Cases Of Hidden Fentanyl

Fentanyl is far more likely to be hidden or used as a cutting agent in street drugs that resemble it in physical appearances, such as cocaine, other opioids, or heroin, which is a natural opiate.

Fentanyl can also be found in counterfeit versions of prescription pills that are sold on the street, such as Xanax pills or Adderall pills.

The Risks Of Hidden Fentanyl

When fentanyl is hidden in other drugs it can cause a number of problems, most significantly it can increase a person’s risk for addiction and overdose.

Addiction

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug and using it frequently, even if unintentionally, can result in addiction and dependence.

When a person becomes dependent on a drug such as fentanyl, they will need to continue using it in order to feel stable and normal.

While marijuana addiction is generally not considered a severe type of drug addiction, it can be much more dangerous when fentanyl is involved in marijuana use.

Fatal Overdose

Overdose is one of the biggest dangers of fentanyl use. It is not hard to overdose on fentanyl because a lethal dose of fentanyl can be as small as two or three milligrams.

This is especially true when a person is not even aware that they are taking fentanyl and thus has no control over how much of it they take.

Identifying Fentanyl In Other Drugs

Because a person can easily overdose on fentanyl from a single high dose, it has become increasingly important to be able to identify fentanyl in other drugs.

Fentanyl Testing Strips

Rapid result fentanyl test strips are now available to test for the presence of fentanyl in illicit drugs or medications.

A small sample of the drug can be dissolved in water, and then tested with one of these strips.

Getting Help With Fentanyl Addiction

It is usually not recommended that a person try to overcome an addiction to opioids on their own. While withdrawal side effects are not life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable.

It is also very important that a person living with addiction address their mental health in addition to their substance use disorder.

Detoxification

Treatment always begins with detoxification, allowing a person to get clean and sober in a safe and comfortable environment with constant medical supervision and care available.

Medical detoxification is usually preferable with opioid addictions, but an observational fentanyl detox is an option as well.

Evidence-Based Treatments

After medical detox, a person then usually follows up in either inpatient or outpatient treatment. There are also intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs available.

Regardless of the level of care chosen, a person can expect to be exposed to a variety of therapy types, as well as have the option for medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Holistic Therapies

The types of holistic treatment options offered can vary and may include adventure therapy, wellness education, yoga and meditation, and art therapy.

There are also faith-based rehab centers for people who want to embrace the role of spirituality during their addiction recovery program.

Find Substance Use Treatment Today

If you or a loved one is currently living with a substance abuse disorder and considering professional addiction treatment, help is available.

There is no shame in seeking help, and we can assist you in finding a quality rehab program in your area. Call our helpline today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff