Boston, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts state Senate recently made a unanimous decision to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth. These paper indicators were previously seen as illegal drug paraphernalia due to their ability to detect the presence of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, a leading cause of overdose deaths.
Fentanyl test strips have been widely supported by treatment organizations as a way to mitigate the harms associated with illicit drug use. In fact, nearly 40 states have already legalized their use. Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham, discussed the legal shift regarding the use of these products.
These test strips are simple tools that can detect the presence of fentanyl in a liquid substance within a few minutes. Given the rise in contaminated drug supply, where illicit drugs often contain fentanyl, these strips play a crucial role in preventing accidental overdoses.
The contamination of drugs with fentanyl is largely unintentional, stemming from the potency of the substance and the unregulated nature of the illicit drug market. In Massachusetts, fentanyl was present in 93% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for measures to address this issue.
While the widespread availability of fentanyl test strips is crucial in empowering individuals to make safer choices, there are limitations to their effectiveness. With the current prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply, simply knowing its presence may not be sufficient information to prevent harm. Advanced drug-checking techniques that provide a more detailed breakdown of substance contents are expensive and not as easily accessible.
Despite concerns that making fentanyl test strips available may promote drug use, evidence from harm reduction interventions suggests otherwise. These interventions, including naloxone distribution, have been shown to save lives without increasing drug use. Stigma surrounding drug use continues to influence policies and public perceptions, highlighting the importance of harm reduction strategies in promoting safety and saving lives.