Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, made a controversial statement during a speech at the Milwaukee Police Association headquarters in Wisconsin. Vance claimed that fentanyl-laced marijuana is becoming increasingly common, leading him to launch a sharp attack against Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Vance first criticized Harris’s record on crime and law enforcement, arguing that her policies make it harder for police to do their job. He then shifted his focus to the US-Mexico border, a key area of focus for Harris as Vice President. Vance directly attributed the opioid crisis, Mexican drug cartels, and the presence of fentanyl to Harris’s border policies, claiming they make communities less safe, even in Wisconsin.
Vance’s most startling claim, however, was that marijuana is being laced with fentanyl. He cited an anonymous police officer who purportedly reported finding fentanyl in marijuana bags. This claim has been widely refuted by experts. The Partnership to End Addiction states that there’s no solid evidence to support the claim, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has not issued any warnings about fentanyl being found in marijuana. Considering the vast number of cannabis users in the US, the overdose rates would be significantly higher if fentanyl were present in the marijuana supply.
While Vance’s stance on marijuana seems to align with Trump’s – supporting states’ rights to determine their own marijuana laws – his position has been inconsistent. Vance opposed legalizing adult-use cannabis in Ohio, but after voters approved it, he declared that the decision should be respected.
Vance’s claims about fentanyl in marijuana are not only misleading but potentially dangerous. Spreading misinformation about drug use can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to a highly dangerous drug like fentanyl.
It’s crucial to rely on credible sources and evidence-based information when discussing drug policy. The spread of unfounded claims can undermine public safety and hinder efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
