Marijuana laws are loosening, which means so are people’s attitudes toward the drug. However, marijuana still has consequences, especially when it’s laced with other substances. 

While marijuana is less likely to be laced than other drugs, it still happens. Sadly, fentanyl-laced marijuana is on the rise, and people may not be aware of what they are ingesting. As little as one grain of fentanyl is enough to harm or kill a person. 

Let’s learn more about laced marijuana so that you can be aware of the hidden risks and dangers of using cannabis, especially from unknown individuals. 

What Does ‘Laced’ Mean? 

When a drug is laced, it means it’s mixed with at least one other substance. There are different reasons why this might be done. In some cases, drug dealers secretly lace marijuana in order to bulk up their supply and increase profits. Dealers may also do this to make the drug more addictive so that people keep coming back for more. 

Other times, people who use marijuana may intentionally lace the drug with other substances. They may be looking to enhance the drug’s effects, mitigate withdrawal symptoms or seek different effects. Whatever the reason, laced marijuana is polydrug abuse, and it has many negative effects, including an increased risk of overdose. 

Substances that May be Added to Marijuana 

Marijuana can be laced with almost any drug. Some of the most common substances include: 

• Cocaine. A packed bowl or rolled joint with cocaine is informally known as primo. People lace their weed with cocaine to get both stimulating and sedative effects. 
• LSD. A joint laced with LSD is called a rainbow joint. The joint is dipped into LSD, causing hallucinogenic effects that last up to 12 hours. 
• PCP. Also known as angel dust, PCP is another hallucinogenic that can be mixed into weed. This kind of marijuana - dusted weed, wet weed - produces a strong psychoactive effect. 
• Heroin. Heroin-laced weed is not uncommon these days, but it’s extremely dangerous. People combine the two to create an intensely relaxed and euphoric state. 
• Fentanyl. Similar to heroin, fentanyl-laced weed produces extreme relaxation and euphoria. Just a single grain of fentanyl can lead to slowed breathing, slowed heart rate and overdose. 
• Ketamine. Ketamine is a popular club drug, and it too, has found its way into marijuana. Due to its sedative effects, the combination of both ketamine and weed can cause dehydration, overheating and confusion. 
• Methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that is used to treat ADHD and obesity. When combined with marijuana, it can cause serious effects like hallucinations, delusions and seizures. 
• Other substances. Other materials may be added to marijuana to make it appear more appealing, such as embalming fluid, crushed glass, laundry detergent, food coloring, fuel additives and other adulterants. 

Negative Effects of Laced Marijuana 

Laced marijuana is a major concern, whether you are combining drugs on your own or buying laced drugs (either knowingly or unknowingly) from a dealer. The biggest concern is overdose. When you combine drugs, you’re getting side effects from both, leading to unpredictable consequences. 

For instance, mixing stimulants and depressants does not balance or cancel them out. In fact, they can modify or mask the effects of one or both drugs. This can trick you into thinking that the drugs aren’t affecting you. 

Mixing depressants, such as alcohol and opioids, can slow down breathing and increase the risk for organ damage and confusion. Mixing stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, can increase heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels. It can also put you at risk for brain injury, liver damage, heart attack and stroke. 

Marijuana acts as both a stimulant and depressant and lingers in the body longer than alcohol. Therefore, you could be mixing more drugs than you realize and putting yourself at risk for overdose and death. Bottom line: Polydrug use can lead to stronger, unpredictable and even deadly consequences. 

Increase in Fentanyl-Laced Weed 

Fentanyl-laced marijuana is the latest concern. Some areas have even issued warnings to residents about this problem. Beyond the concerns over polysubstance use, the biggest danger of fentanyl-laced weed is not knowing it’s in the marijuana. 

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, so it doesn’t take much to produce strong effects. If you take your normal dose of marijuana and it’s laced with fentanyl, your breathing and heart rate could slow to dangerous levels. You may not even be aware of what's happening to your body. 

The signs and symptoms of a possible fentanyl overdose are: 

• Pinpoint pupils
• Confusion
• Slurred words
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Clammy skin 
• Unconsciousness 
• Sudden fatigue 

Is There a Way to Check for Laced Marijuana? 

Ideally, you should avoid marijuana completely. Even though the drug is legal in some states, it still has many negative health consequences. Using marijuana regularly can damage your memory, attention and learning ability. It has also been linked to social anxiety, depression, suicide and schizophrenia. 

Here in Pennsylvania, marijuana is not legal for recreational use. Some forms of medicinal marijuana have been legalized, but you must have a marijuana medical card. You can learn more about the marijuana laws in Pennsylvania here. 

If you choose to continue using marijuana, there is no clear cut way to know if it’s laced. You can purchase fentanyl test strips, but these strips will only test for fentanyl and not other substances like methamphetamine or glass. With the increasing risk of laced weed, we also recommend knowing the signs of overdose and carrying naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioids. 

Comprehensive Treatment for Polydrug Abuse 

Using multiple drugs can be very dangerous, especially if you are unaware of the substances being consumed. Marijuana is still a drug with negative health consequences, so combining it with other drugs is considered polydrug abuse. It’s also possible that an underlying mental health problem or unresolved trauma is driving the urge to use substances. 

Fortunately, help is available for polysubstance abuse. Recovery Cove in Easton PA is a dual diagnosis treatment center that offers comprehensive care for mental health and substance use disorders. We provide expert care and a nurturing environment where our clients are able to thrive. Contact us today at 484-549-COVE or fill out our contact form to learn more about our treatment services.