Adversaries of opioid harm-reduction policies are considering a new stance in Texas

Nothing like death to open the eyes of Texas GOP lawmakers who once opposed opioid harm reduction policies… The opioid epidemic has been a major issue in the United States for years, and Texas has been hit particularly hard by the crisis. In an effort to combat the rising number of overdose deaths in the state, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has come out in support of the legalization of fentanyl test strips.

Fentanyl test strips are small strips that users can dip into a batch of drugs, allowing them to determine if the substances contain the synthetic opioid, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin and can be deadly even in small doses. Abbott previously opposed such a policy, but the increasing number of opioid overdose deaths has brought about a "better understanding" that more needs to be done to address the problem, according to Katharine Neill Harris, a drug policy fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

In the past, bills to legalize fentanyl test strips and other harm-reduction programs such as syringe exchange services have been filed, but they have largely been authored by Democrats and have had little chance of passing in a Republican-dominated legislature. However, some conservative lawmakers, such as state Senator Bob Hall and Representative Tom Oliverson, are now supporting the legalization of fentanyl test strips. The issue is also receiving support from top legislative leaders, including House Speaker Dade Phelan.

In addition to supporting the legalization of fentanyl test strips, Abbott has also stated that he wants to make Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, more readily available throughout the state. This is a positive development for harm-reduction groups but not enough. While the shift in attitude from Republican leaders in Austin is encouraging for drug policy experts who have been warning about the rise of fentanyl in the state, they believe that more needs to be done to help Texans keep themselves safe. 

LEGALIZING CANNABIS WILL HELP.

As the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across the United States, researchers and healthcare professionals are searching for effective ways to treat and prevent opioid addiction. One potential solution that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years is the use of cannabis in opioid recovery.

There is growing evidence that cannabis can be a useful tool in managing opioid addiction and reducing the risk of overdose. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that states with legal medical marijuana laws had a 23% lower opioid overdose mortality rate compared to states without such laws. Another study found that cannabis use was associated with a 64% reduction in opioid overdose deaths among patients with chronic pain.

One of the ways in which cannabis may be beneficial in opioid recovery is by serving as a safer and more effective alternative to opioids for managing pain. Cannabis has been shown to be an effective pain reliever, and it carries a much lower risk of overdose and other negative side effects compared to opioids. By providing a natural and effective option for pain management, cannabis can help reduce the reliance on prescription opioids and the risk of addiction.

Cannabis may also help in opioid recovery by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some studies have found that cannabis can help reduce the intensity of opioid cravings, and it may also be effective in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. This can make it easier for individuals in recovery to stay on track and avoid relapse.

In my opinion, if Texas really cared about Texans, our lawmakers would lay down their release their death grip on damaging  prohibitionist misinformation and self-serving politics, and allow for real discussion and exploration in the House and Senate about the benefits of cannabis for Texas. The 88th legislative session starts tomorrow at noon, and runs through May 29.