The political landscape is rife with controversy, and the statement made last week by J.D. Vance about fentanyl-laced marijuana has added fuel to the fire. Former President Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), claimed at a campaign event in Wisconsin that “fentanyl in our marijuana bags” is posing a deadly risk to teenagers due to lax border policies under the Biden administration.
JD Vance’s Claim of Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana and American Teens
During his speech at the Milwaukee Police Association, Vance suggested that the current border policies are enabling Mexican drug cartels to distribute fentanyl-laced marijuana across the U.S., posing a severe threat to youth. He expressed his concerns as a parent, fearing that his children could one day experiment with substances contaminated with lethal drugs.
“Weve got fentanyl in our marijuana bags, that our teenagers are using.” he stated “I’m the parent of three young kids, a seven year-old, a four-year-old and a two-year-old, we don’t have to worry about this yet, but I’m certain because kids are kids that one day, one of my kids is going to take something or do something that I don’t want them to take. But I don’t want that mistake to ruin their life.”
“I want them to learn from it, I want their parents to be able to punish them, I don’t want our kids to make mistakes on American streets and have it take their lives away from them,”
Vance’s statement echoes similar claims made by various law enforcement agencies and media outlets. The narrative that fentanyl is contaminating marijuana has been around for some time, but it’s essential to scrutinize the facts behind these assertions.
Debunking the Myths Surrounding Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana
Despite claims made by Vance and others, there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that marijuana is being laced with fentanyl. The Partnership to End Addiction provides crucial insights into this issue.
Burning Destroys Fentanyl: When fentanyl is burned, such as when smoking marijuana, it is destroyed, meaning it has no effect on the smoker.
Vape Pen Temperatures Are Too Low: Most vape pens operate at temperatures below 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Fentanyl requires much higher temperatures—around 900 degrees Fahrenheit—to vaporize, thus rendering any potential contamination ineffective.
Liver Breaks Down Edibles: If fentanyl were somehow incorporated into edible products like brownies, the body would largely neutralize it in the liver before it could have an effect, significantly lowering the risk.
Police and Media Mistakes: Police and media often report instances of alleged fentanyl-laced marijuana, but further investigations frequently correct these claims. Unfortunately, these corrections rarely receive the same attention as the initial reports.
No DEA Alerts: The DEA monitors the substances on the market closely, and while they have issued warnings regarding fentanyl in fake prescription pills and other drugs, they have not issued any alerts about fentanyl laced through marijuana.
The Partnership to End Addiction highlights that with around 55 million people using marijuana in the U.S., we would see significantly higher overdose rates if fentanyl truly contaminated it, compared to the rates currently reported.
In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, it’s crucial to base public policy on verified facts and data. The claims about fentanyl-laced marijuana underscore the need for a careful examination of evidence before making sweeping statements that could influence public opinion and policy.
J.D. Vance’s Stance on Cannabis
J.D. Vance’s record on cannabis policy shows a consistent alignment with Trump’s position that states should set their own marijuana laws. Although he opposes the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis in Ohio, he respects the voters’ decision and emphasizes that it should remain a state issue.
Vance’s support for state autonomy in cannabis legislation reflects a broader trend among conservative politicians. By allowing states to determine their own policies, supporters argue that it respects local governance and the will of the people.
Despite this stance, Vance has voiced concerns about the potential dangers of cannabis, including its smell and alleged links to violence. His comments about fentanyl-laced marijuana further complicate his position, highlighting the ongoing debate about balancing regulation, safety, and personal freedom.
While J.D. Vance’s concerns about the opioid crisis are valid, the lack of evidence supporting his claims about marijuana contamination calls for a more measured approach. Advocates for cannabis legalization argue that a well-regulated market with strict testing protocols can mitigate the risks of contamination, ensuring that consumers have access to safe products.
