The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health issued a drug/overdose alert after fentanyl and benzodiazepines were found in a cannabis sample tested at the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Center on Tuesday.
The sample, which was sold as cannabis, contained white and blue powder or chunks. The source was unknown, noted the ministry.
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Officials warn that if ingested, there is a high risk of overdose or death. Naloxone will counter the effects of fentanyl, but not the benzodiazepines, said the statement from the ministry.
This alert is in effect until Sept. 30.
In June, the Ministry of Health issued an overdose alert after Regina saw four suspected overdose deaths in a single week.
According to the ministry, many of the 54 suspected overdoses police reported in the Queen City between June 5 and June 12 required multiple doses of naloxone to revive the patients. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is suspected to be behind the rash of overdoses.
The ministry said some of the risks “can be reduced, but not eliminated” by getting a take-home naloxone kit, calling the National Overdose Response Service if using drugs alone, taking advantage of drug-checking services and sharing the alert.
“The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose or who witness an overdose,” read the statement.
In April, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation that would classify fentanyl, methamphetamine and hypodermic needles as categories of “street weapons.”
The act was passed in the spring and came into force Aug. 1.
“The government recognizes that many items used as street weapons have legitimate, legal purposes. The legislation contains appropriate exemptions to ensure these items can continue to be used for their lawful purposes, such as medical treatment, food preparation and protection from wildlife threats,” the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice explained in a statement.
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