All substances are a concern when they are misused. This page includes information about drugs that are legal and readily available and drugs that aren't, such as Fentanyl. Our coalition keeps up to date with current science, trends, education and concerns in order to be prepared with as much information as possible. One of our best sources of information is the Drug Enforcement Administration. They provide helpful tools like the Emoji Decoder.
Fentanyl
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Fentanyl is an opioid drug, like morphine or heroin. It is made entirely in laboratories, with no natural ingredients. Although it is approved as a prescription pain medicine, most of the fentanyl contributing to the current overdose crisis is made illegally.
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Fentanyl is more potent (powerful) than many other opioid drugs. Even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose. That can even happen when a person takes fentanyl without knowing it, if it was added to counterfeit prescription pills or other illegal drugs. Using fentanyl test strips can reduce the risk of using drugs that contain fentanyl.
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Fentanyl is addictive. Like other opioids, repeated use causes changes in brain activity that cause people to continue using it even when they experience harmful effects.
Delta 8 - THC - Cannabis
What was regularly called "weed" or "ditch weed" because it was literally picked out of the roadside ditches has now been scientifically altered to something that is synthetic, has extremely high potency, and can be ingested and inhaled
Kratom is a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, it's name is Mitragyna Speciosa Koth. For decades, the leaves were chewed on to provide stimulant for laborers in Thailand. It was also used as a substitute for Opium when opium plants were unavailable. It is marketed in the US in many different forms such as tea, capsules, and energy drink shots (similar to 5 Hr Energy you see on the shelf at a gas station).
According to the FDA, "concentrated 7-OH is increasingly recognized as having potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors. It cannot be lawfully added to dietary supplements or conventional foods. These products are considered adulterated because 7-OH does not meet applicable safety standards. Also, the FDA has not approved 7-OH for medical use." Source: FDA
