House of Representatives by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas). The Philadelphia District Attorney and Pennsylvania Attorney General have publicly announced their own policies of declining to prosecute individuals possessing or distributing fentanyl test strips for harm reduction purposes. The CDC also announced earlier this year that federal funding may be used to purchase rapid fentanyl test strips. The Executive Order signed today represents the City’s agreement with these policies and a further step to support harm reduction strategies. The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often added to other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills to increase their potency. Unfortunately, many drug users are unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdoses and even death. That’s where fentanyl test strips come in.
What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Use of fentanyl test strips (FTS) to test illicit drugs has been shown to be an effective harm-reduction tool for raising awareness of fentanyl risks, increased self-efficacy to prevent overdose, and safer use behavior changes. From March to June 2020, a total of 6 Massachusetts municipal police departments piloted FTS kit distribution during post–overdose outreach visits, community outreach, and related programming. The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative developed the kits, trained departments, and oversaw implementation. The pilot evaluation involved site observations, process measures, and interviews with staff and kit recipients.
Act 111, which amends the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972 to no longer define fentanyl test strips as drug paraphernalia, took effect Monday. Under the new law, people in Pennsylvania who buy or carry fentanyl testing strips will no longer face potential criminal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia. While harm reduction strategies like Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are vital steps in treating drug addiction, the safest way to avoid an overdose is abstinence. While this is assuredly easier said than done, treatment programs exist to help bridge the gap between harm reduction and long-term recovery.
Fentanyl Myths Vs Facts
Fentanyl test strips are a simple and quick way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by detecting the presence of fentanyl in a drug sample. The test strip is dipped into a solution containing the drug sample, and if fentanyl is present, a line will appear on the strip. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use, accurate, and inexpensive.
Please note that if you do not use drugs frequently or daily, it is not necessary to request more than a couple test strips from free harm reduction programs. Fentanyl test strips can identify the presence of fentanyl in unregulated drugs. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the content found on the Erie County Department of Health website or this correspondence. No drug is completely safe and there is always a risk of overdose. More than 30 years of evidence looking at providing sterile syringes to people who inject drugs shows people will use drugs, whether or not they have access to clean supplies. If they don’t have access to clean syringes, they may reuse or share needles, which increases their risk for HIV, hepatitis C and wounds. There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl.
Fentanyl test strips are available at many harm reduction organizations, drug treatment centers, onion dark website and online retailers. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
Harm Reduction Saves Lives
- Harm Reduction Organizations: Many harm reduction organizations, such as the National Harm Reduction Coalition and DanceSafe, sell fentanyl test strips. These organizations often provide other harm reduction resources as well.
- Drug Treatment Centers: Some drug treatment centers also sell fentanyl test strips. These centers may offer other resources for people struggling with addiction as well.
- Online Retailers: There are many online retailers that sell fentanyl how to access darknet on android test strips. Be sure to do your research and choose a reputable seller.
FAQs
Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
Free Naloxone And Test Strips
Yes, fentanyl test strips are accurate and can detect fentanyl at concentrations as low as 0.02 micrograms per milliliter.
How much do fentanyl test strips cost?
Fentanyl test strips typically cost between $1 and $5 each, depending on the seller.
- Preliminary research has found mixed results regarding the efficacy and acceptability of fentanyl self-testing as harm reduction strategy.
- Rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS), used to detect fentanyl in illicit drugs, may help inform people who use drugs about their risk of fentanyl exposure prior to consumption.
- Look for information on your state or local health department’s website or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area.
- SHOP has drop-in info sessions at the Student Health Center with the Party Safe Team.
Can fentanyl test strips detect other drugs?
No, fentanyl test strips are specifically designed to detect fentanyl and its analogs. They will not detect other drugs like cocaine or heroin.
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most states. However, some states have laws that regulate the sale where can i buy fentanyl test strips and distribution of fentanyl test strips. Be sure to check your state’s laws before purchasing.
Can fentanyl test strips prevent overdoses?
While fentanyl test strips can help detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, they are not a foolproof way to prevent overdoses. It’s important to use drugs responsibly and to have access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are an important tool in the fight against opioid overdoses. They can help drug users detect the presence of fentanyl in their drugs and make informed decisions about their use. If you’re interested in buying fentanyl test strips, be sure to choose a reputable seller and use them responsibly.