New Regulations Aimed at Lowering the Popularity of Fentanyl and Its Derivatives
Popularity of Fentanyl and Its Derivatives
According to the Canadian Press, Toronto police have found a significant increase in the number of fatal overdoses that were caused by Fentanyl, a synthetic opiate. Fentanyl is much more powerful than other narcotics and has actually killed users quickly. In order for you to avoid a potentially fatal overdose, it is important to learn more about what this substance is, how it works, and how to get help if you or a friend has been an overdose victim.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic that is 50 times more potent than morphine. The first signs of addiction will be similar to those with other common opioids such as codeine and oxycodone. Withdrawal can occur very easily because the body will adapt to the dose and produce less of the drug. Fentanyl is now one of the most commonly abused prescription opioids and is often sold on the street as a powdered pill, which can be snorted, swallowed, or injected.
The Canadian Press reported that the sale of Fentanyl-laced cigarettes was sold on city streets last year, with customers reportedly buying up several packs within hours of buying them from online dealers. Since then, medical use of the synthetic opioid has become available and can only be obtained by prescription from a doctor. Doctors are not aware of specific interactions with other drugs or medications and cannot prescribe Fentanyl under any circumstances. The only way to obtain Fentanyl is through a doctor’s prescription.
New Regulations Aimed at Lowering
Fentanyl and its derivatives have proven to be highly addictive. It creates the same physical dependence as heroin, but produces the same kind of intense, long-lasting, physical high. Users will experience euphoria, physical relaxation, and an increased sense of alertness. In addition, they will experience uncontrollable physical pain and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps.
Because the current opioid crisis is unprecedented in scale and magnitude, many experts believe it is impossible for the government to control the Fentanyl drug market without intervention. In response to the crisis, cities around the country have formed task forces in an effort to curb the opioid epidemic. They have passed comprehensive regulations intended to control both the distribution and purchase of Fentanyl-laced prescriptions. However, it is unclear whether these regulations, like the ones passed in Ottawa and Toronto, are working as intended.
Since March of 2021, police in Canada have been focusing more on busting individuals who are trafficking Fentanyl rather than those who are selling it on the street. Recently, Toronto police have been focusing their efforts on heroin dens and drug markets. Although it is difficult to stem the supply from the criminal market, authorities have been able to significantly reduce the amount of heroin that is distributed on a daily basis. Though the goal is still the same; reduce the amount of opioids available on the drug market.