Fentanyl-laced marijuana is a growing problem, according to some law enforcement agencies and the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center — and a campaign has been launched to bring awareness to it.
Southgate-based The Guidance Center and the Stop Underage Drinking/Drugs Coalition are distributing information to Downriver police departments in an effort to draw more attention to the issue.
In Brownstown Township, police said marijuana has become more mainstream, especially since being legalized in Michigan.
Township police warn everyone should understand the possibilities of fentanyl poisoning.
The MiPDC sent out an alert to those who use marijuana products of the potential public health threat.
Outside of the state, there have been several patients treated in emergency rooms for opioid exposure and overdose after saying they smoked marijuana.
Although the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said there has not been any laboratory-confirmed cases of marijuana laced with fentanyl in Michigan, there are eight suspected cases of fentanyl-laced marijuana in a review of probable opioid overdoses.
In those cases, there were mentions of marijuana being potentially laced with fentanyl, heroin and unspecified substances.
Officials caution users to only purchase marijuana products from licensed and reputable vendors and to be aware of the symptoms related to opioid use/abuse and the signs of an opioid overdose.
Some of the signs include the following:
● Confusion
● Drowsiness
● Dizziness
● Headache
● Anxiety
● Vomiting
● Pinpoint pupils
● Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
● Respiratory arrest
● Low blood pressure and low heart rate
● Shock
● Death
Fetal exposure to fentanyl can result in fetal opioid dependence and withdrawal, respiratory depression, and abnormal growth and development, according to MiPDC.
Paige Grudzien, community organizer for The Guidance Center, said the organization is in the process of identifying tobacco shops and dispensaries to pinpoint where marijuana and vape products are being sold.
The Guidance Center is in the process of formulating a survey that will inquire about liquor stores and tobacco shops selling THC items to minors.
Grudzien said her organization works closely with local police departments targeting various places with compliance checks.
She said volunteers are needed to help gather information to identify if and where there might be marketing problems, and to help identify why youths are using these products in the first place.
“We are looking to tackle the root causes,” Grudzien said. “We are not out to get anyone in trouble who is not in compliance.”
The coalition, in connection with The Guidance Center, has groups formed in a few Downriver schools with hopes of expanding.
They meet and share ideas.
Anyone who has used marijuana and develops symptoms that can be related to fentanyl or other opioid exposure should call 911 immediately.
For more information on SUDDs, contact Grudzien at 734-286-0095.
The MiPDC can be reached at 800-222-1222 at any time.
The group stresses the importance of storing marijuana products out of reach of children as its use or misuse can be fatal.
Be the first to comment