As overdoses soar, fentanyl test strips remain illegal in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Advocates say it’s a instrument that may save lives from fentanyl overdoses, however they’re outlawed in Florida.

They’re Fentanyl drug take a look at strips, which might detect the drug. As a result of they’re thought-about drug paraphernalia, the take a look at strips are unlawful within the state. They aren’t accepted by the Meals and Drug Administration.

First responders reply tons of of 911 calls a month, and people embody drug overdoses. Narcan is used to reverse overdose, however the strips might stop them.

I talked with a person who requested to be known as Gary Gilbert. He mentioned he’s used medicine for 10 years, various from marijuana, to LSD or cocaine.

He is aware of a drug may very well be laced with fentanyl and desires the take a look at strips had been out there.

“You may’t belief your buddy,” Gilbert mentioned. “You don’t know the place he acquired it from or his individual acquired it from.”

I discovered the fentanyl take a look at strips on-line, however earlier than I might purchase it, a message mentioned: “It cannot be shipped to your chosen supply location.”

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The take a look at is cheap and provides leads to about 5 minutes.

Dr. Marcus De Carvalho has been working with individuals dwelling with dependancy since 2008.

“Individuals are going to proceed shopping for medicine off the road,” he mentioned. “That individual might want to have the ability to do the take a look at at house to verify right here there is no such thing as a fentanyl on this.”

Some states like New Mexico and Wisconsin have allowed the take a look at strips.

“If I’m going to be taking one thing, I might love to have the ability to take a look at it and say, ‘Hey, I do know precisely what’s on this and never however left to a hunch,’” Gilbert mentioned.

He hopes that folks cease demonizing drug customers as the speed of overdoses from fentanyl proceed to skyrocket.

Information from the Duval County Medical Examiner’s Workplace present that since Jan. 1, there have been a minimum of 465 circumstances wherein fentanyl was detected.

The Florida Legislature did have an opportunity to think about decriminalizing the take a look at strips, however nothing was handed into regulation.