To the editor:

To clarify a quote that Mr. Seifer in his recent letter said was attributed to me in a recent article, the article stated, “Dr. Westmoreland also spoke about the connection between opioids and marijuana.” This was in reference to a discussion about how many victims of overdose had been marijuana users early on in their road to addiction. This is not fake news but a true statement. Marijuana and opioids act on the same brain receptors and both can lead to addiction. 

The article further states, “Others said that connection could be seen in recent incidents where people had used marijuana that had been mixed or laced with other drugs, including fentanyl.” While this may be the quote Mr. Seifer was referring to, it was not my quote but part of a larger discussion about the problem with permissive attitudes towards marijuana use and the potential for many drugs coming in contact with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is increasingly responsible for overdose deaths. In RI, according to the Governor’s website preventoverdoseri.org, over 50 percent of RI opioid deaths in 2016 involved fentanyl. First responders and law enforcement agencies are increasingly vigilant of potential fentanyl contamination since officers who have come in contact with fentanyl have been hospitalized for handling very small quantities of the drug during arrest procedures. 

Marijuana, like other illicit drugs, may be an easy target for lacing with other toxins and drugs. While some states have attempted to regulate drugs through various legalization methods, none have eliminated the black market where things like this are more likely to occur.

While suspicion of fentanyl-laced marijuana was dispelled in the 2017 Ohio case mentioned by Mr. Seifer, there have been several 2018 cases of suspected marijuana laced with fentanyl or carfentinil or finding of the two drugs in close proximity – see links below to cases which occurred in New England. While sometimes deadly, more often, these additives give a stronger high, which is what may keep consumers coming back for more. The important take away message here is that no drug, especially those outside of the scope and regulation of the Food and Drug Administration, is immune to contamination by a host of toxins, including fentanyl. The community should be extremely wary of using any of these drugs. 

The group highlighted in the original article is discussing local strategies to combat the opioid crisis. There are a number of things community members can do to become more educated and proactive. Naloxone is an opioid reversal agent that is available at any pharmacy to people RI. 

In addition, people should be aware of the risks of using opiates, even those prescribed by a doctor. Addiction can occur after very limited use and there are many other drugs and treatment modalities that should be considered prior to opiates. 

All medications should be locked up and disposed of when no longer needed. Barrington has a permanent disposal box at the public safety complex on federal Road where unwanted medications may be safely disposed of at any time. 

Kristen Westmoreland, MD MPH

Barrington

Dr. Westmoreland is The Bay Team Outcomes Director.

http://www.wcvb.com/article/police-man-overdoses-after-smoking-marijuana-likely-laced-with-fentanyl/11654992

http://www.wcax.com/content/news/Police-warn-of-fentanyl-laced-marijuana-cocaine-475690383.html

https://www.wcpo.com/news/national/akron-school-board-member-overdoses-in-car-fentanyl-and-marijuana-found-in-car

http://turnto10.com/news/local/opioid-crisis-intensifies-with-threat-of-carfentanil