Overdose fatalities involving opioids have quadrupled in recent years. Along with this has come widespread misinformation about fentanyl. These myths increase stigma and the risk of death and incarceration among already vulnerable people.

Myth: Casual contact with fentanyl can cause a person to overdose.
Truth: Street fentanyl does not absorb through the skin, nor does it aerosolize easily. For overdose to occur it must be introduced through the bloodstream or a mucus membrane. This lie creates a perceived fear of overdose from first responders and increases the chance of withholding lifesaving measures when responding to an OD.

Myth: Naloxone does not work when responding to a fentanyl overdose.
Truth: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and is used to reverse the effects of ALL opioid OD- including fent. Due to the strength of fentanyl, more naloxone may be required. Always wait 2-3 minutes in-between doses to give it time to work.

Myth: All fentanyl is the same.
Truth: Medical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (street fent) are not the same. Medical fent is made in regulated labs while street fent is often made in sketchy labs with no regulation. Street fentanyl is responsible for most fentanyl overdoses.

Myth: Marijuana is laced with fentanyl
Truth: There are no confirmed cases where cannabis has been found to be laced with fentanyl. If fentanyl were in weed the heat from smoking would destroy the fentanyl and any effect. The process of making edibles also involves heating and would get rid of fentanyl in the process.

Myth: Extra safety measures are needed when entering a place with fentanyl
Truth: Because fentanyl does not pose a contact risk, excessive gear at scenes where fentanyl is present are unnecessary. The use of hazmat suits and other expensive PPE are a waste of resources and only serve to increase stigma against users.

Myth: Harsh criminal penalties will reduce fent’s presence and stop people from using it.
Truth: The criminalization of fentanyl possession pushes users further underground and into unsafe using practices increasing their risk of overdose.