VIRDEN – Two North Mac High School students who used marijuana laced with fentanyl are fine, but the school district is taking no chances and is embarking on a campaign to warn students that no illegal drug is safe to use.
The two students had used and were in possession of marijuana when discovered early Friday by the Virden Police Department. When field-tested by Virden police, the marijuana was found to contain fentanyl.
North Mac Superintendent Kyle Hacke said the tests were conducted twice and police were confident in the accuracy of the tests. Hacke sent a letter to North Mac parents Friday. He said to his knowledge, this is the first time fentanyl-laced marijuana has been an issue within the district.
Virden Police Chief Steven Snodgrass was unavailable for comment Monday.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is nearly impossible to tell if a drug has been laced with fentanyl unless it is analyzed with fentanyl test strips. Users are unable to see, taste or smell fentanyl.
“Because of the results, we believe this information had to be shared,” Hacke said. “We are asking parents to please talk with their children about the dangers of drug use. We are fairly certain the students did not know they were ingesting fentanyl.”
Hacke said North Mac has taken steps in the event of an opioid overdose by ensuring there is a supply of Narcan, a life-saving drug that counteracts the effects of opioids, at the school. The generic name for Narcan is naloxone.
“The high school staff has been trained to spot opioid overdoses and how to administer Narcan. Student assemblies are planned for each grade level, nine through 12, about the dangers of opioids.” Hacke said.
“We certainly would rather not put our interventions to the test,” Hacke said.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as a pain-killer. It is used recreationally, sometimes mixed with heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines or methamphetamine, the CDC said. An overdose of it can be neutralized by Narcan.
Signs of an opioid overdose include small, constricted pinpoint pupils in the eye; falling asleep or losing consciousness; slow, weak, or no breathing; choking or gurgling sounds; limp body; cold and/or clammy skin; and discolored skin, especially in lips and nails.
In the event of an overdose, the CDC recommends calling 911 immediately; administering Narcan, if available; trying to keep the person awake and breathing; laying the person on their side to prevent choking; and staying with the person until emergency assistance arrives.
A person who, in good faith, seeks or obtains emergency medical assistance for someone experiencing an overdose will not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted, according to the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
It is not possible to overdose on fentanyl just by touching it or breathing near it, the CDC said, as it is routinely stored and handled in hospitals without incident. People present at overdose scenes should not be afraid to help from fear of being harmed.
