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LSAM Supports Legislation to Decriminalize Fentanyl Test Strips
On May 9th, the Louisiana Society of Addiction Medicine (LSAM) sent a letter to members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary C expressing support for HB 212. This legislation would remove fentanyl test strips (FTS) from drug paraphernalia classification under state law.
In the letter, LSAM outlined how fentanyl test strips are a useful tool to detect the presence of fentanyl and reduce associated harm. LSAM cited research indicating that the use of fentanyl test strips is associated with positive changes in drug use behavior and willingness to seek treatment. Additionally, LSAM pointed to examples of other states that have decriminalized fentanyl test strips during their most recent legislative sessions. Examples encompass a diverse range of states including New Mexico, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Further, LSAM highlighted research which indicates that explicitly clarifying the legal status of fentanyl test strips is helpful to prevent confusion about their true legality, further increasing supply and availability. In sum, LSAM hailed HB 212 as a commonsense measure to reduce the harm caused by the increased prevalence of fentanyl statewide.