DANGERS OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS

Assembly Bill 889 added Section 48985.5 to the California Education Code, which requires public schools to share information and resources annually about the dangers of synthetic drugs. With the continued rise in access and usage of synthetic drugs across the United States and California it poses a direct threat on the health and wellbeing of our community and our youth.  

The illicit use and abuse of synthetic drugs represent an emerging and ongoing public health threat in California. The fentanyl crisis specifically has impacted communities across the state, leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl poisonings and deaths in recent years.

This notice aims to address the crisis with a preventative approach, ensuring students and families are educated on the deadly consequences of recreational drug use.

A synthetic drug is a drug with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, especially such a drug created to evade existing restrictions against illegal substances.

Synthetic drugs include but are not limited to synthetic cannabinoids (“synthetic marijuana,” “spice,” “K2”), methamphetamines, bath salts, and fentanyl.

The California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) has expounded on the extreme danger of drugs laced with fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without additional testing because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted when used as a lacing agent.

AB889: Pupil Safety: Parental Notification of Synthetic Drugs

Bill Text: CA AB889 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Chaptered | LegiScan

California Department of Public Health, Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch

Fentanyl (ca.gov)