New Bill Legalizes Carrying Fentanyl Testing Strips, Aims To Lower Overdoses

A invoice on its method via the Capitol goals to make unlawful substances safer. The invoice, HB 1987, will clearly outline whether or not fentanyl testing strips are thought of drug paraphernalia.

Proper now, prosecutors might argue both method if somebody caught with the testing strips had drug paraphernalia on them. HB 1987 would make the grey space just a little extra black and white, and the writer’s hope is it will assist hold those that attempt to get clear, alive.

Overdose calls are ones first responders reply all too typically.

“Hospitals within the Oklahoma Metropolis and Tulsa space are filled with sufferers. Seven to 10 sufferers on a median evening which can be in there from an overdose of some sort of opiate and in lots of instances, it ended up being fentanyl,” defined Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Spokesman, Mark Woodward.

At any given week the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has a number of investigations that look into fentanyl induced overdoses, Woodward stated.

The invoice’s writer, Consultant Mickey Dollens stated the state has already legalized Narcan use and has a needle alternate program to assist fight opioid dependancy. Clarifying the legality round fentanyl testing strips by way of HB 1987 is the subsequent logical step.

“To ensure that these are taking medicine, which we do not condone, not less than are taking what they suppose they’re,” stated Rep. Dollens. “You’re taking a take a look at strip and dip it in and after 15 seconds it may provide you with a adverse or constructive end result. That 15 seconds could be the distinction between life and dying.”

Because it stands now, the take a look at strips legality is within the eye of the beholder; however a transparent definition of them as authorized for private use might make litigation shy non-profits take up arms and put them to make use of.

“They [non-profits] stated that if it have been clear and in statute, they may begin shopping for the fentanyl testing strips and handing them out,” stated Rep. Dollens.

One concern OBN has is the strips might give customers a false sense of safety as a result of the fentanyl take a look at strip doesn’t all the time present that it’s current, which can result in an overdose.