A recent, federally funded study has debunked the persistent claim that illicit marijuana is being widely laced with fentanyl. This claim, which has been repeatedly made by former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), has been shown to be unfounded by the research, published in *The Lancet Regional Health – Americas*.
The comprehensive study, conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, Brown University, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), analyzed nearly 12 million samples of nine illicit drugs, including cannabis, from 2013 to 2023. Their findings revealed that fentanyl was present in less than two percent of the samples tested, with marijuana being the least likely drug to contain the deadly opioid.
“Our results show no evidence of widespread fentanyl co-occurrence with cannabis,” the researchers concluded. This study, coupled with a similar report from the DEA stating they haven’t issued any alerts about fentanyl in marijuana, provides strong evidence against the claims made by Sen. Vance.
Despite this overwhelming evidence, Sen. Vance continues to propagate the narrative of fentanyl-laced marijuana, even going so far as to connect it to the Biden-Harris administration’s policies. In a recent interview, Vance claimed that “you hear about it… someone smokes a joint, it’s laced with fentanyl, they go into a coma.” He has also repeatedly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her alleged role in allowing Mexican drug cartels to operate freely, leading to the influx of fentanyl into the United States.
These claims, which lack factual basis, have raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for harmful consequences. The study’s findings, along with the DEA’s report, offer a stark contrast to the narrative being pushed by Sen. Vance, highlighting the importance of relying on scientific evidence and verified information when discussing public health issues.
Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), who initially published the study’s results, welcomed the findings. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring the quality and safety of marijuana products, especially those sold on the unregulated market. He suggested that regulating and licensing cannabis businesses, which would allow for lab testing and labeling, could address concerns about product quality and purity.
The debate surrounding fentanyl-laced marijuana underscores the need for careful consideration of all available information and the dangers of relying on unverified anecdotes. As this issue continues to unfold, it’s crucial to stay informed and rely on credible sources to avoid the spread of misinformation.
