Fentanyl test strips are classified as drug paraphernalia under Mississippi Law. House Bill 722 seeks to change that and a number of doctors ap- pear to agree.
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost method of helping pre- vent drug overdoses and reducing harm, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of Fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables). FTS provide people who use drugs and communities with important information about Fentanyl in the illicit drug supply so they can take steps to reduce risk of overdose.
One of those doctors is Katherine Pannel, a psychiatrist from Oxford, Mississippi.
“Breaking a record is typically a time for celebration,” Pannel said. “However, in November of 2021, we broke a record that no one wanted to celebrate. America hit the 100,000 mark for overdose deaths. Fentanyl was the main culprit of those deaths, making up close to 67%. Sadly, the Fentanyl crisis shows no signs of abating in Mississippi.
“It is difficult, if not impossible, to control the supply of Fentanyl into Mississippi,” she said. “We are in a battle to prevent deaths from Fentanyl, and we are losing. We cannot stop the supply of Fentanyl into Mississippi. Fentanyl is colorless, tasteless, odorless and so powerful in such a small amount that enough to kill thousands is easily transported into our state. It is also coming in through the mail via the dark web. Efforts to stop the supply of Fentanyl coming into our state have been futile. Therefore, the only way to reduce death is to stop the demand for Fentanyl.
“We can stop the demand through education and harm reduction. Education ultimately ends this battle. We have to teach our youth early about the dangers of substance use. But education takes time, and the body count will continue to rise. The only immediate way we prevent deaths and breaking more heartbreaking records is through harm reduction.
“Fentanyl test strips are an inexpensive, easy to use method to prevent deaths from Fentanyl. Not only do these strips save lives, but they also put drug dealers out of business. Once a user determines their product has been laced, they do not return to that same dealer, and they let all of those in their circle know not to buy from them either. Fentanyl test strips can therefore actually reduce the supply of Fentanyl in addition to saving lives.
“These strips cost less than a dollar, are easy to use and are extremely effective at detecting the presence of Fentanyl. States can even receive federal funding for these strips, so it costs them nothing. But we cannot access those funds in Mississippi because the strips are considered drug paraphernalia. That’s right. They are against the law and reside in the same category as bongs and pipe
“You cannot turn on the TV, computer or read a paper without reading about another death due to Fentanyl. These deaths are occurring in startling numbers in young adults ages 15-34. Fentanyl is wreaking havoc on college populations. Parents are having to bury their kids instead of attending their graduations. “There is legislation in the House and Senate to decriminalize Fentanyl Test Strips. The vast majority of the public wants this to change. The Mississippi House of Representatives unanimously voted for this change.
“Passing this legislation should be a no-brainer. But up to this point, it has not been. And it is due to the misconception that somehow these strips will enable those with substance use disorders to continue to use. This is such a short-sighted thought process. And quite frankly, saying you do not want to equip substance users with these strips means you would rather them die. People with substance use disorders want to get sober and recover but sometimes it takes multiple tries.
“Addiction is a vicious disease. These strips keep them alive to get them into recovery. Everyone is capable of recovery. We just have to keep them alive to get them there. We cannot get someone into treatment if they are dead. There is no evidence to support that Fentanyl Test Strips enable drug use. However, it is a proven fact that Fentanyl Test Strips save lives
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