Facts & Myths About Fentanyl Possession
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, designed primarily for use in palliative care and surgery, particularly for cancer patients. However, its potency has unfortunately made it a highly-sought street drug. If you are found to have fentanyl unlawfully in your possession, you will face serious penalties under both state and federal law. That said, there are several persistent myths about fentanyl and fentanyl possession that may adversely affect a person’s rights if charged.
Legal & Illicit Fentanyl Are Not The Same
Fentanyl is said to have roughly 100 times the potency of morphine, which makes it interesting to many recreational drug users – but it also means that even the legal form of the substance can be incredibly dangerous. That said, illicit or ‘street’ fentanyl is not exactly the same as the legal version, simply because its dosage may be unpredictable. For example, it is not uncommon for street drugs to be cut with other substances, causing potentially unwelcome results.
There are two reasons why this discrepancy can matter in the legal arena: one, because overdoses are far more common with illicit fentanyl than with the approved hospital version (which can lead to legal liability in some cases), and two, because there are patients with a legitimate need for legally approved fentanyl, but illicit fentanyl is, by definition, unlawful to possess.
Possession Only Harms The User
The other common myth about possessing fentanyl is that its strength allegedly makes it extremely hazardous to handle or even be in the same room with any. It is not uncommon for law enforcement professionals to allege that they are in danger of overdosing just because of proximity; however, medical professionals have repeatedly debunked this phenomenon. Fentanyl can be handled using standard personal protective equipment (PPE), and cannot cause an overdose by breathing or getting it on skin.
The reason this myth is so potentially dangerous, however, is because it can lead to a lack of medical car, and/or heavier criminal charges for those using or possessing the substance. A law enforcement officer who is afraid of any kind of fentanyl exposure is less likely to perform their duties for a person they suspect of fentanyl use. Alternatively, a state’s attorney who does not know better might seek harsher charges against a person for fentanyl possession than they would for, say, heroin use.
Contact A West Palm Beach Fentanyl Possession Attorney
If you have been charged with possession of fentanyl, you should take this charge extremely seriously simply because Florida law urges aggressive prosecution of drug crimes. However, knowing fentanyl’s capabilities can help you and your West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney to protect your rights. Contact the firm of Perlet & Shiner, P.A. today to speak to an attorney.
Source:
dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl
