The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly 150 people die daily from synthetic opioid (Fentanyl) abuse and overdose. While these are alarming numbers, there's still a way to avoid falling into the trap of drug abuse.
Transcend Recovery Community is here to clear the facts about Fentanyl-laced marijuana and what you can do to avoid getting your hands on dangerous substances. Continue reading to find out more.
Can Marijuana Be Laced with Fentanyl?
Drug lacing is on the rise for many years now. Even marijuana can be laced with any drug you wish to pair it with. But that will largely depend on what type of effect you wish to have during your "high."
As a potent opioid, Fentanyl is allegedly now being laced in a recreational drug like marijuana to magnify its side effects which recreational users are looking for. Many states have reported how dangerous the laced by-product has affected numerous lives.
But on the other side of the news, some advocacy organizations and experts report that fentanyl-laced marijuana remains to be a hoax. Though overdoses seem to be a major problem for drugs laced with fentanyl, there needs to be further studies or investigations done to prove this claim.
Side Effects of Fentanyl-Laced Weed
Fentanyl, as earlier mentioned, is a strong opioid that may cause fatal overdoses, if prevention or withdrawal is not immediately done. As with other substances, it shares many adverse side effects that may affect a struggling person's day-to-day life. Some of its known signs include:
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty in urinating
- Depressive episodes
- Dry mouth
Meanwhile, marijuana causes the following side effects when taken by a person. They include:
- Increased appetite
- Red eyes
- Bronchitis
- Palpitation or increased heart rate
When combined, fentanyl-laced marijuana may amplify these side effects and may be dangerous for some people. It is still advised not to mix it with a different substance, whether they are alcohol, cocaine, or other pills as they may cause long-term, irreversible or fatal side effects.
Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana Risks
There are various risks of marijuana-laced substances. When taken long-term, they may aggravate existing health problems within a person and may put first-time users at greater risk such as the development of other mental health issues or a deadly overdose.
Here are the perceived risks with the use of marijuana laced with fentanyl:
- Induced aggressive behavior
- Overdose
- Respiratory and cardiovascular problems
- Addiction
How to Know if Fentanyl is in a Drug?
CBD or marijuana laced with fentanyl cannot be easily detected on the spot with just one look. However, there are many ways to determine that may involve using your other senses to verify. These may include the following:
- Smell - With just a variance in terms of scent, you can determine if something is different with your joint. It may emanate a strong and different smell if it's laced with another substance.
- Testing - You can inspect if the marijuana you bought is laced by testing it first or inspecting it better. You'll immediately recognize a stark difference when you test it even for the first time.
- Source - A huge factor in identifying if your marijuana is not mixed with anything else is by getting it from a legal or legitimate source. Buying street drugs from unreliable sources puts you at a hazardous risk.
If you are worried whether the marijuana you're getting may be compromised, it's best to talk to a legal distributor or seller. That way, you get quality marijuana without worrying about its potency.
How Strong is Fentanyl?
The CDC has warned that Fentanyl is more potent than other opioids. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. While this drug is safe for use when prescribed properly, there is still a huge risk for fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the US.
The drug may also lead to a rise in addiction, drug overdoses, and ultimately, the development of mental health issues.
Can Fentanyl be Used Recreationally?
Recreational use of Fentanyl happens most often for people who want to experience a strong yet pleasurable high. The drug promotes the feeling of relaxation, calmness, and euphoria. "Nodding out" is the common effect enjoyed by users referring to the shift between the states of alertness and semi-consciousness.
Can Transcend Recovery Community Help Me Recover from Street Drugs?
As abuse happens since the drug is highly addictive, people resort to addiction recovery to avoid opioid overdose too. There are many addiction recovery and treatment options available which you can consult with a medical professional.
As part of a healthy recovery, transitional housing is often incorporated by Transcend Recovery Community to help people struggling with their marijuana use alongside alcohol rehab.
A sober living residence is a good way to help individuals process and understand their symptoms better. They can also lead healthier and more fulfilling lives as a result. Gender-oriented dwellings, such as men's sober living spaces, allow people to recover better too.
Get to know more about how recovery can work in your favor. Contact us today for more information.
