Legalize fentanyl test strips, then distribute them
Those in Snohomish County and throughout the state working to curb the epidemic rise in fatal drug overdoses in particular the alarming increase in deaths from the synthetic and potent opioid fentanyl may have a new harm-reduction tool more readily available soon.
Where Narcan is now more easily at hand to help reverse an overdose in progress, this new tool may help those using opioids and other drugs to avoid unknowingly using fentanyl which is often mixed with heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine or other drugs perhaps preventing a deadly overdose.
The new tool? Fentanyl test strips. The problem? The test strips are technically illegal, considered drug paraphernalia by state law.
The test strips, which can show the presence of fentanyl in a small sample of a drug prior to use, are available, some through support agencies such as Public Health Seattle, King County. But wider availability and use of the strips has been discouraged by their inclusion on the drug paraphernalia list.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-legalize-fentanyl-test-strips-then-distribute-them/