Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020. Since then, xylazine has been found in a small but increasing amount of overdose deaths in Oregon. In 2020, there were two overdose deaths where xylazine was identified in the toxicology report, followed by nine in 2021 and nine (so far) in 2022. The Oregon Health Authority expects to see a significant increase in xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2023 once the data are finalized.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller that is often prescribed to patients with severe pain, such as those with cancer. However, it is also a drug that is highly sought after on the black market due to its potency and relatively low cost. With the rise of the internet and the dark web, many people wonder if it is possible to buy fentanyl online.
According to KGW, it is the largest drug seizure in Oregon’s history. Since our February 17, 2022, Overwatch brief on the fentanyl crisis, the problem persists throughout communities nationwide. In addition, law enforcement agencies are seizing historical levels of the deadly drug.
Where To Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
The Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through specialized software, such as the Tor browser. It is a haven for illegal activity, including the sale of drugs like fentanyl. While it is technically possible to buy fentanyl on the dark web, it is important to note that doing so is extremely dangerous.
Fentanyl Test Strip Giveaway Campaign Wrap-Up
Fentanyl has proved dangerously difficult to recognize – and profitable to cut into other street drugs. A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams, equivalent in size to a few grains of salt. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if a substance is or contains fentanyl just by looking at it. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a form of drug testing technology which can detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples prior to use. FTS are a reliable common-sense means of providing people at risk of fentanyl exposure with more information that can decrease risk of overdose. As of July 2021, FTS are no longer within the legal definition of “drug paraphernalia” in Minnesota and are thus legal to possess, carry, and distribute.
First and foremost, it is illegal to buy or sell fentanyl without a prescription. This means that anyone who is caught doing so is at risk of facing serious legal consequences. Additionally, the quality and purity of the fentanyl that is sold on the dark web is often questionable. It is not uncommon for drugs sold on the dark web to be cut with other substances or to be much stronger than advertised, which can lead to serious health risks.
Online Pharmacies
Distributors in the US sell counterfeit pills on social media, appealing to a younger, more opioid naïve audience that use social media apps. Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk. The number of overdose deaths in the U.S. from synthetic opioids doubled from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, 744 people from Washington died from an opioid related overdose and 198 of these deaths included fentanyl. Data for this study were collected as part of a larger study focused on fentanyl contamination of drugs from the social media site, Reddit.com. Reddit is a collection of topical social forums (“subreddits”) with content generated by pseudonymously registered users, referred to as Redditors.
Another place where people may look to buy fentanyl online is through online pharmacies. However, it is important to note that not all online pharmacies are created equal. Some online pharmacies are legitimate and require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Others, however, are not legitimate and may sell fake or counterfeit medications.
- Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a form of drug testing technology which can detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples prior to use.
- These instances and similar cases throughout the nation pointed to single batches of fentanyl-laced heroin as the culprit for dramatic spikes in overdose cases.
- The current study is an examination of content on the Reddit social media site in order to understand the perceptions of and experiences with exposure to fentanyl contaminated M30 pills.
- The window to respond to an overdose may be shorter with fentanyl.
We’re doing a lot to promote increased treatment and recovery support. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has an accredited digital pharmacy search tool. You can look online to see if your pharmacy is legitimate and has gone through certification.
Unity Recovery
Explore our resource library for practical resources to promote the health and dignity of people affected by drug use. You’ll find up-to-date fact sheets, webinars, manuals, training guides, and more. “It’s scary to think that these products are available and so easily attainable to those not trained or educated in drug metabolism,” said Buck Martin of King’s Pharmacy and Compounding. “When you’re relying on somebody who has no medical background, no regulation at all, then you’re just playing with your life.”
It is important to only buy medications, including fentanyl, from licensed and reputable online pharmacies. This can help ensure that the medication is genuine and that it is being prescribed and dispensed by a qualified healthcare professional. Additionally, it is important to be cautious of any online pharmacy that offers to sell fentanyl without a prescription, as this is likely a scam and could result in serious legal and health consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to buy fentanyl online, it is important to exercise caution and to only do so through legitimate and reputable channels. The dark web is a dangerous place where the quality and purity of drugs are often questionable, and buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal. Online pharmacies can be a legitimate way to obtain medications, but it is important to only buy from licensed and reputable sources. If you are in need of fentanyl or any other medication, it is best to speak with a licensed healthcare provider who can help you determine the best course of treatment.
