![A photo of fentanyl test strips](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/12/n21215353/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1702402701864.jpg)
Yahoo News: Ohio health expert challenges governor’s warning on fentanyl-laced marijuana
UC expert calls the concept a myth
Following the recent vote that legalized recreational marijuana in Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine urged the state senate to pass a bill to make changes to the law. He cited concerns over the dangers of fentanyl-laced marijuana, saying the black market would 'take off.'
In a story posted by Yahoo News, Tasha Turner-Bicknell of the UC College of Nursing said not only is marijuana laced with fentanyl uncommon, it’s seen as either impractical or scientifically impossible. Turner-Bicknell is experienced in overdose prevention. She said that through her research with Harm Reduction Ohio, where she sits on the board of directors, she has been unable to find proof that fentanyl is being found in marijuana.
“It’s something that is talked about and it’s covered in the media, but then when actual tests are run in state or government labs it always comes back negative,” Turner-Bicknell said. “We really don’t have any evidence at all that there is any proof of any such thing as fentanyl in marijuana.”
Tasha Turner-Bicknell of the UC College of Nursing/Photo provided
Turner-Bicknell called the concept of fentanyl-laced marijuana a myth. She said one reason is the different temperatures that marijuana and fentanyl have to be burned at to be smoked.
“The way that (fentanyl) would be smoked, it would not really be combustible at the same temperature that marijuana would be burned at,” Turner-Bicknell said. “So, when you talk to people about it more in-depth, it’s also something that’s not really possible, that there would be fentanyl in marijuana and that it would be smoked.”
Turner-Bicknell said that much of the evidence used to cite fentanyl being found in marijuana is overdoses where both substances are found in the system. She said both of these substances being found in a person’s system is not proof of the two being connected and that many of these overdoses lead to the discovery of even more substances in their system.
“I’ve looked at reports where the whole basis for the fact that it was fentanyl-laced marijuana is the fact that fentanyl was found and marijuana was found, and it’s like, ‘OK, what else was there?'” Turner-Bicknell said. “Usually there is a little bit of stimulants, meth, cocaine, crack, something else involved.”
In addition to fentanyl, DeWine said pesticides, metals, and other contaminants are also a risk. Turner-Bicknell said this is also not a real concern, with the chances of buying contaminated marijuana on par with the chances of buying compromised produce.
“It’s not something that I have seen in literature as a serious issue,” Turner-Bicknell said. “I think that your chances of being exposed to those things would be the same as lettuce that comes in a bag that is purchased at the grocery store. If we are concerned about pesticides in marijuana, regulating the market and regulating growers is the best solution.”
Lead photo of fentanyl test strips/Associated Press
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's graduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
A new treatment for rare muscular disease
April 16, 2021
Hani Kushlaf, MD, presented findings on a new treatment for Pompe disease, a rare neuromuscular disease, virtually at the American Academy of Neurology on April 17.
Air pollution may affect severity and hospitalization in COVID-19 patients with respiratory disease
April 13, 2021
Angelico Mendy, MD, PhD, assistant professor of environmental and public health sciences, at the UC College of Medicine, looked at the health outcomes and backgrounds of 1,128 COVID-19 patients at UC Health.
Village Life partners with UC International to support Global Scholars
April 14, 2021
Two students from Tanzania receive Global Opportunity Scholarships and get a big Bearcat welcome!
First cohort accepted for Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist pilot program
April 21, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program gives students fast-track path to becomming an RDN while giving them exceptional internship experiences.
Fight or flight response may hinge on protein in skeletal muscular system
April 22, 2021
Taejeong Song, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the UC College of Medicine, says a regulatory protein found in skeletal muscle fiber may play an important role in the body’s fight or flight response when encountering dangerous situations.
Pop those ‘BPA-free’ drinking bottles into the dishwasher before using them
April 29, 2021
UC research found that some water bottles labeled BPA-free actually contained traces of the chemical and that multiple cycles through the dishwasher was the most effective at removing BPA.
Student educator to serve on national COVID committee
April 26, 2021
Claire Keum selected to participate in ACHA's CoVAC Initiative.
Over 100 Mental Health Champions graduated this spring
April 28, 2021
On April 15, 2021, over 100 faculty and staff across the University of Cincinnati graduated to become official Mental Health Champions, a now Healthy UC initiative. These dedicated colleagues successfully completed three trainings focused on creating connections and community, supporting students and co-workers with resources, and investing in their own personal wellness. Trainings were hosted by fellow colleagues who became facilitators in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Be Well UC employee wellness program. All Mental Health Champions actively demonstrate their commitment to building the culture of positive well-being at the University.
UC neurosurgery department awarded exclusive grant
June 2, 2021
The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation awarded UC's Department of Neurosurgery with a prestigious grant.
UC grad balances motherhood, medicine and a major move
June 4, 2021
Hagar Elgendy, a recent University of Cincinnati medical school grad, moves her husband, Cedric Peerman, a former Cincinnati Bengal player, and their four kids to North Carolina as she completes her medical residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation.