The latest bell anti-cannabis advocates are consistently ringing is about weed laced with fentanyl. Fentanyl, MDMA, and other illicit drugs are said to be in cannabis, but these claims have yet to be proven. The Connecticut Department of Health was one of the first to spark worry over fent-laced weed.
Now, vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance is the latest to make false claims about THC fentanyl candy despite a lack of concrete proof. FDA-funded research is actually trending in the opposite direction, showing that heroin was most likely to be combined with fentanyl.
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Cannabis may be laced with various drugs or harmful compounds like mold, but this is less likely when purchasing from the regulated market. Even so, it is wise to know the signs of adulterated pot. This is the best way to avoid unwanted side effects like an uneven heart rate or neurological damage.
Lead, heavy metals, fungus, and bacteria are possible in organic products like weed. There are also human-caused issues to be aware of. Government agencies and addiction specialists believe that PCP, heroin, embalming fluid, laundry detergent, LSD, methamphetamine, ketamine, and cocaine can be found in cannabis flower, concentrates, or edibles.
Certain sensory indicators, like the smell and look of the products, could help identify dirty weed. These signs change a bit depending on the compound within.
What is “lacing drugs?”
Drugs like cocaine are often secretly mixed with other things, this practice is called lacing. This shady practice can stretch out pure cocaine with cheaper ingredients to increase profitability. Drug dealers may also lace their products with more addictive drugs to bring customers back swiftly and regularly.
Most illicit drug use has risks, but consuming laced drugs only adds to the potential danger. Fentanyl overdose from laced stimulants has risen 50-fold since 2010. The drug has 50 to 100 times more potency than medical-grade pharmaceuticals like morphine.
Now, fentanyl test strips and Narcan are readily available at most electronic dance music parties these days. Even a small amount of illicit fentanyl could prove fatal, and people are hoping to intercept laced party drugs before they are ingested.
Fentanyl lacing has been seen in cocaine and MDMA, but fentanyl-laced marijuana remains rare. While fentanyl weed is not commonplace, there are some common ways that cannabis is commonly corrupted.
Cannabis laced with other drugs
Weed is sometimes laced with drugs to intensify and alter the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. In the late 1990s, people started dipping rolled joints into embalming fluid. The sticks often also included PCP. These are called dusted weed, fry, super weed, or Sherm.
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Embalming fluid is said to cause hallucinations, and PCP has many other risky effects.
Many Sherm users do not realize that it contains PCP, which creates dependence, craving, and compulsive PCP-seeking behaviors. Adding these kinds of substances to weed greatly increases the risk of marijuana addiction.
Some believe that laundry detergent is added to cannabis to increase the weight and hide bad smells. It is hazardous to light and smoke this household cleaner. Avoiding laced weed is ideal, and there are ways to maximize the chances of doing so.
How to find out if weed is laced
Adding additional mind-altering substances like central nervous system depressants to cannabis might increase lethargy and confusion. Consuming mold, bud rot, and other fungus may have more deadly effects. This is also far more common than drug-laced weed. The effects of laced weed can vary, and there are signs of adulterated pot that can help a person avoid them.
Mold and bud rot
These natural issues with cannabis flowers are visible on the plant. However, they may hide deep within the bud rather than on the outside. Break apart a bud and look down to the stem to get to the bottom of it.
Moldy weed may also feel squishier than other buds, or have an altered color. If fungal cannabis makes it to the bowl, it tends to crackle from moisture. If this happens, take a closer look at the stash.
Fentanyl, meth, and laundry detergent
Cannabis has a distinct aroma with differing notes and base scents. Even with all of that variety, chemicals like meth or fentanyl rarely align. Fentanyl and similar pharmaceuticals or designer chemicals can be smelled on weed. This is different with edibles and concentrates. However, purchasing regulated products from licensed dispensaries cuts down on the risk.
The effects of laced weed are not worth the risks. These additions to the plant can cause health issues and even prove fatal. Avoid laced weed at all costs.
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Frequently asked questions about laced weed
With all of the fear-mongering around fentanyl-laced weed, it’s no wonder people want answers. Let’s illuminate some of the more frequently asked questions on the matter.
How do I find out if weed is laced?
There are some ways to see if weed is laced, but they are not foolproof. Fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals often smell chemical, which would be noticeable on organic flower. Mold, bud rot, and other contaminants are visible on the flower. They may also make the dry matter crackle when lit.
What is weed laced with?
Weed can be laced with PCP, heroin, embalming fluid, laundry detergent, LSD, methamphetamine, ketamine, heavy metals, fungus, and bacteria.
Are regulated cannabis products laced with unwanted products?
Any product can be adulterated. However, there are checks and balances in the regulated industry that a neighborhood drug dealer is not held to. Regulated products are not necessarily 100 percent safe. Still, they may be less apt to be risky compared to those crafted outside of the industry.
Find out if weed is laced, then throw it away
Lacing cannabis with anything is not recommended. Dangerous drugs could lead to serious health issues, and nobody wants to smoke moldy weed. Follow best practices for buying and consuming cannabis to cut down on the risk of ending up with laced weed. Avoid an unwanted high, or worse, and pass on laced weed.
