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COSAM Opposes Increasing Criminal Penalties for Possession of Synthetic Opioids
On February 10, the Colorado Society of Addiction Medicine (COSAM) sent a letter of opposition to SB25-044. This bill would enhance criminal penalties for the possession of any amount of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
In the letter, COSAM re-affirmed its support for a forceful state response to the overdose crisis that prioritizes treatment over criminalization. Specifically, COSAM noted that it is already a felony to possess more than personal use quantities of synthetic opioids under state law. Additionally, COSAM expressed concern that SB25-044 would negatively impact vulnerable populations while failing to meaningfully reduce harmful substance use or overdose deaths. Further, the legislation would siphon money away from investing in evidence-based addiction treatment, like enhancing access to Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for opioid use disorder. As such, COSAM argued that SB25-044 is insufficient to address the overdose crisis or more broadly improve public health outcomes for Coloradans.