Dangers of Marijuana Laced with Fentanyl

You may wonder, “can weed be laced?” Yes, it can. Even though cannabis comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant, the dried-up, greenish-gray leaves that people smoke, cook into food, and drink in teas, can also be cut or laced with other drugs, often without the user’s knowledge. Weed laced with fentanyl has become a widespread and dangerous trend in recent years. As a drug rehab in Pennsylvania, we’re aware that the distribution and use of pot laced with fentanyl has become a serious concern in the United States. Below are some of the dangers of marijuana laced with fentanyl you should know about.

What Is Laced Weed?

Laced weed, laced marijuana, or laced cannabis refers to marijuana mixed with other drugs to produce various side effects. Lacing is a common practice for some drugs, especially drugs like cocaine and heroin, to make more profit with less product. Drugs priced by weight may also be laced with other substances to bulk them up and increase their profitability or to alter or enhance their side effects.

Although marijuana is less likely than cocaine or heroin to contain cutting agents, it’s still a common occurrence. Especially since several states have begun to legalize recreational marijuana use, more dealers are attempting to increase their sales and expand their customer base by selling fentanyl weed.

Other common drugs that weed can be laced with include:

• Lead or heavy metals
• Glass
• Fungus or bacteria
• PCP
• Ketamine
• LSD (acid)
• Heroin
• Fentanyl
• Formaldehyde (embalming fluid)
• Laundry detergent
• Methamphetamine
• Ketamine
• Cocaine

Although marijuana use can be generally harmful, using marijuana and fentanyl together is even worse. As cannabis products become legalized in more places, more businesses will dedicate their practice to the marijuana industry. As a result, further regulations will be set in place to ensure the dangers of marijuana laced with fentanyl are not experienced by buyers. However, because all states have not legalized marijuana, people will continue to obtain cannabis from street dealers and other illicit sources. Illegally purchasing cannabis increases the chances of coming across fentanyl-laced weed.

Despite the continuous legalization of marijuana in several states, using cannabis can cause dependence and affect other areas of the body like the lungs and brain. Reports of lung disease and decreased cognitive function are associated with long-term marijuana use, so beware. The recreational use of marijuana also increases the chances of exposure to harder drugs. Once a drug addiction is developed, addicts may need treatment like our medical detox in Pennsylvania for recovery.

Side Effects of Marijuana Laced With Fentanyl

Different drugs will produce different side effects when mixed with cannabis. However, because fentanyl is an opioid that produces pain relief and sedation, common side effects of weed laced with fentanyl include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Not experiencing a high at all
• Diarrhea
• Difficulties breathing
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Out of body experience or feeling as if things aren’t real
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Irritability
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Confusion

Again, the side effects of laced marijuana are dependent on the substance it was laced with. For instance, depressants like alcohol may produce sedative effects, while stimulants like cocaine may produce stimulating effects. Regardless, any form of marijuana use is dangerous.

How Do You Know If Weed Is Laced?

If you want to know how to tell if weed is laced, then you aren’t the only one. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to tell if weed is laced with fentanyl or other substances. The signs of laced weed are usually non-existent; however, any suspicious colors or strong smells can be signs of weed laced with fentanyl. Frequent marijuana users also claim that rubbing marijuana against a CD shouldn’t scratch it, and if it does, it likely contains glass. Even so, any cutting agents are otherwise undetectable by do-it-yourself tests.

Additionally, despite the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and the many claims that it’s harmless, chemical test labs in the state have reported contaminants in legal marijuana that weren’t obvious to the naked eye. One 2015 press release from the American Chemical Society revealed that additives like fungi and butane we present in cannabis. The press release also revealed that the potency of marijuana has increased to 30% of THC from 10% in recent decades.¹ Ingesting high doses of THC can produce adverse side effects like anxiety, panic, and paranoia. This report further reveals the dangers of marijuana use in general and the need for marijuana addiction treatment.

Substance abuse, in general, can result in various short and long-term physical and psychological ailments. If you have a drug or alcohol problem, do not wait to get help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health call us today at (570) 536-9621