SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently suggested on Twitter that the United States should consider legalizing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of overdose deaths in the country. Is.
SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently suggested on Twitter that the United States should consider legalizing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of overdose deaths in the country. Is.
Musk claims that legalizing fentanyl would allow for quality assurance and regulation, reducing the risk of overdoses or contaminated batches.
Too Dangerous To Be Legalized
However, Musk’s tweet drew mixed reactions, with many in the responses arguing that legalizing the drug is too dangerous.
The tweet was criticized for ignoring that fentanyl is primarily used clinically as an anesthetic and analgesic. Although the medical use of fentanyl is legal, the risk of overdose in humans is very high.
Some have also pointed out that Musk’s tweet ignores the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on communities across the United States.
Fentanyl is highly addictive and poses a risk of overdose, which could increase deaths if legalized. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths increased after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed nearly 200,000 lives in 2020 and 2021.
As reported by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), criminal gangs smuggle fentanyl across the border using chemicals obtained from China and manufactured in Mexico.
People Reacts to Musk’s Comments
“[Fentanyl] is a very different drug to alcohol in terms of its rapid dependence and ease of fatal overdose,” wrote British TV presenter Leo Bowery in response to the tweet.
“I’d bet that making it legally available — and thus more socially normalized — would create even more victims than the status quo,” Boeri adds.
Ophthalmologist Houman David Hemmati also took issue with Musk’s tweet: “I actually disagree with you on this. Accidental alcohol overdose and death is a very rare side effect of alcohol consumption.”
“With fentanyl, a small amount is enough to kill with a small margin of error. And it’s so addictive that once you start you can’t stop,” he notes.
Musk’s View on Controversial Drugs
Musk has a history of making inflammatory remarks on social media. In October 2022, he tweeted about the use of Vigovi, a weight-loss drug linked to thyroid tumors, and the lack of supply for diabetics who need the drug.
While Musk’s views on drugs are likely to continue the debate, it remains to be seen whether his views will gain more traction and result in policy change.
What’s in the News
Elon Musk’s tweet calling for the legalization of fentanyl has sparked debate among health experts and the general public.
While some argue that legalizing the drug will reduce the chances of overdoses or consumption of the tainted batch, others argue that legalizing it is too dangerous.
Musk’s tweet has also been criticized for ignoring the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on communities across America.