Police Walk Back Claims of Fentanyl-Laced Cannabis in Overdose Death
It’s no surprise that police in Warwick, Rhode Island have retracted their previous statements about a local woman’s overdose death being caused by exposure to “fentanyl-laced cannabis.” While fentanyl can be deadly, it is rarely found in cannabis. However, sensational headlines and dubious police reports continue to spread misinformation about the presence of fentanyl in marijuana.
Fentanyl-Tainted Cannabis Arrests Proven False by Lab Tests
In Brattleboro, Vermont, police made multiple arrests for distributing fentanyl-tainted cannabis, but lab tests later confirmed that no fentanyl was present in any of the seized marijuana samples. A similar situation occurred in Connecticut, where officials claimed that over three dozen overdose incidents were caused by fentanyl-laced marijuana. However, forensic analyses revealed that only one of these cases involved fentanyl ingestion, likely due to accidental contamination.
2023 Report: Misinformation About Fentanyl in Cannabis Still Widespread
According to a 2023 report from New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management, false reports of fentanyl-contaminated cannabis continue to circulate. The report states, “Anecdotal reports of fentanyl ‘contaminated’ cannabis continue to be found to be false.” A recent study from Harvard Medical School also found that fentanyl is almost never identified in illicit cannabis seizures.
Unregulated Cannabis Products May Have Quality Control Issues
While fentanyl-laced cannabis may be a myth, unregulated cannabis products can still pose risks to consumers. A scientific analysis of unregulated cannabis flowers seized by police found that 16% of samples contained detectable levels of mycotoxins and fungal metabolites. Some hemp-derived cannabinoid products have also been found to contain unlabeled cutting agents and dangerous heavy metals.
Consumers Beware: Unregulated Cannabis Products May Not Be What They Claim
In addition to potential quality control issues, unregulated cannabis products may also contain higher or lower percentages of active ingredients than what is listed on their labels. This can result in consumers receiving more or less of the desired effects. It’s important for consumers to be cautious and informed when purchasing these products.
The Solution is Not to Spread Misinformation, But to Ensure Quality Control
Amplifying false claims about fentanyl-laced cannabis or other tainted weed is not the solution to quality control issues. Instead, steps should be taken to eliminate consumers’ exposure to potentially adulterated or mislabeled products. This includes implementing regulations and testing standards for cannabis products to ensure their safety and accuracy.
