Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is typically prescribed by doctors for the treatment of severe pain, such as cancer pain or pain following surgery. However, due to its potency, fentanyl also carries a high risk of addiction and overdose.
While some people may view this law as extreme, Colorado sees it as a way to keep the drug off the streets. On April 16, 2022, Flickr user Chucksy Pills uploaded an image of what they claim is ketamine hydrochloride, a controlled substance. In the caption with the picture, Chucksy Pills provided his WhatsApp and Telegram account information, saying that he sells a variety of hardcore drugs, including fentanyl. In states where they are considered illegal, fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia. The social media company MeWe said that “any group, page, or member reported on MeWe that is found to be selling any sort of illegal drug is swiftly removed by MeWe’s Trust and Safety Team and may be reported to the authorities.” In a statement to NPR, Alibaba said that it “prohibits the listing by third-party sellers of any controlled substances” and that the company cooperates with law enforcement when needed.
Is it Legal to Buy Fentanyl Online?
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Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal in most countries, including the United States. This is because fentanyl is a controlled substance and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Fentanyl’s Street Value
Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state.
- A common medical application for fentanyl is topical patches intended to allow fentanyl to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.
- To address this deadly scourge, in Ohio, HSI completely shifted its investigative portfolio.
- Fentanyl contamination primarily occurs in powders and pressed pills.
- If the drugs test positive for fentanyl, anyone using them should have naloxone with them and should use with someone who isn’t using at the same time.
- Though algorithms were born out of platforms attempting to produce a list of recommended items to help users make decisions on content, it has arguably become much more complicated than just a short, tailored menu.
- This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to opioid use disorder.
Why is Buying Fentanyl Online Dangerous?
Fentanyl Is Often Disguised As Other Drugs
There are several reasons why buying fentanyl online is dangerous:
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- Potential for Counterfeit Products: When purchasing fentanyl online, there is a risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated products that can be extremely harmful or even deadly.
- Risk of Overdose: Due to the potency of fentanyl, even a small amount can lead to an overdose, especially if the dosage is unknown or if the drug interacts with other substances being taken.
- Legal Consequences: Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Currently, fentanyl test strips (FTS) only test for the presence or absence of fentanyl. While this would be helpful to some of the PWUD in this study, there are caveats to test strips that limit their potential. The major limitation of FTS is that they only give a positive or negative result without providing any information as to the amount of IMFs present in a pill (McGowan et al., 2018).
Where Can I Get Fentanyl Legally?
If you have a legitimate medical need for fentanyl, it is important to obtain it legally through a healthcare provider. Your doctor can prescribe fentanyl and monitor your usage to ensure your safety and prevent misuse or abuse.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone is Buying Fentanyl Online?
If there is a new variation or analog, the test strip likely won’t catch it until manufacturers add it to their products. Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose. Drug supply chains are changing in other ways as traffickers engage in a cat-and-mouse game to evade law enforcement.
If you suspect that someone is buying fentanyl online illegally, it is important to report it to the authorities. This can help prevent harm to the individual and others who may come into contact with the illicit drugs.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous. It is important to seek legitimate medical guidance and prescriptions when using this potent opioid to ensure your safety and well-being.