The Dangers of Laced Weed

Many of the old, exaggerated short-term dangers of marijuana have been disproven, and the drug is medicinally and recreationally legal in several states. Laced weed, however, continues to be a growing concern. This article will help you:

• Laced Weed Definition: Understand what laced weed is and why it is a major concern.
• The Overdose Concern: Identify why laced drugs are so dangerous.
• Find Treatment: Avoiding the dangers of laced weed begins with staying alert and seeking help.

Is Using Weed a Risk?

Even though there is no good evidence that marijuana is associated with overdose and related consequences, there are still risks with using weed. Some of the risks of using marijuana include:

• Impaired judgment, including deciding to drive under the influence
• Respiratory damage when smoked
• Cannabis abuse and addiction symptoms, like
  • Lowered productivity at work or school
  • Relationship issues stemming from marijuana use
  • Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
  • Psychosis in people with a family history or predisposition to psychotic disorders

While many say that marijuana isn’t addictive, it can cause habit-forming behaviors. These behaviors are part of the addiction cycle, and they can be difficult to break. Laced weed could pose an especially dangerous risk for someone who struggles with addictive behaviors.

What Is Laced Weed?

When someone laces drugs, they mix an identified drug with other substances. Most of the time, drugs are laced by dealers who want to increase the potency of their drugs and extend their profits with cheap fillers.

Most laced drugs are sold in pill or powder forms since those are the easiest forms in which fillers or other drugs can be hidden. It may be harder for weed to be laced since most marijuana products are not sold in pills or powders.

There are still risks of laced weed, however. Using marijuana that was purchased from an unregulated source, like someone off the street, can still pose the risk that it was contaminated with cocaine, meth, or other drugs. If you or a loved one choose to use marijuana, buying it from a regulated source can be less dangerous.

Fentanyl in Marijuana: Fact or Fiction?

Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl were nearly 23 times higher in 2021 than in 2013. These powerful synthetic opioids can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin.

A 10-state study revealed that 57% of overdose deaths involving drugs like cocaine, meth, or heroin also involved fentanyl or another synthetic opioid. As the number of lives being devastated by these powerful drugs, keeping yourself and loved ones safe remains a priority.

But is there fentanyl in laced weed? While many news reports and social media sources warn about the dangers of weed laced with fentanyl, there’s no clear evidence that it’s a widespread danger at the moment. However, some synthetic marijuana alternatives have been laced with synthetic opioids.

What to Do if You Recognize an Overdose

Even if fentanyl in marijuana is not widespread, laced weed or other drugs are still a concern. Learn to recognize the signs of an overdose so you can be prepared to act.

• Unresponsiveness or difficulty waking up
• Slow, shallow breathing or no breathing at all
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Gurgling or snoring sounds

If you recognize these signs, call 911 immediately. In the meantime, try to keep the person awake and responsive. If naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer it according to directions. This can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and give the person a better chance at survival.

Get Help at Greater Boston Addiction Centers Now

Living with addiction is a struggle, but there is hope. Greater Boston Addiction Centers offers comprehensive treatment options for those struggling with addiction to marijuana, opioids, or other drugs. When you seek help at our center, you gain a partner to help you leave drugs and alcohol behind. You’ll also avoid the dangers of laced weed and other accidental drug exposures.

Contact us online or call us at [Phone] now to find a better way forward.