ARIZONA NEWS

Son’s death moves Arizona senator to back legalizing fentanyl testing strips

Feb 26, 2021, 4:35 AM | Updated: 2:38 pm

(Facebook photo/Christine Porter Marsh)...

(Facebook photo/Christine Porter Marsh)

(Facebook photo/Christine Porter Marsh)

PHOENIX — Arizona could soon legalize fentanyl testing strips and make them available over the counter, something that could help prevent overdoses and death.

Arizona Sen. Christine Marsh’s 25-year-old son, Landon, bought some street Percocet last year.

Landon had just married and his wife left town so he met up with an old friend for dinner.

After dinner, he decided to experiment with the drug – a decision that cost Landon his life.

“Fentanyl has been snuck into pretty much everything out there on the street,” Marsh said. “Nothing is safe.”

“These days, kids cannot do that. One pill can be, and often is, the end. One pill is often the death sentence.”

She now receives emails with heartbreaking stories like hers.

State law currently lists the testing strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, as drug paraphernalia.

Marsh, furious to learn about this categorization, wonders if state law is behind.

“I contend that a night of stupidity shouldn’t necessarily be a death sentence,” the legislator from Phoenix said.

Marsh says the testing strips could also lead to drug interventions, especially if treatment centers give them out.

The state Senate approved SB 1486, which would exclude narcotic drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia.

The House is now considering the bill.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

The evacuation order for the Brady Fire was lifte on Wednesday....

KTAR.com

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Brady Fire south of Prescott

The evacuation order for a community threatened by the Brady Fire south of Prescott was lifted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

33 minutes ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

2nd teen in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal has died

The second teen involved in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal last week has died, authorities announced Wednesday.

1 hour ago

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people...

Kevin Stone

Suspect opens fire at unsheltered people at Tempe park, injuring 3

Three people were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people in Tempe, authorities said.

2 hours ago

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials are trying to educate passengers on how to at properly travel with firearms.

3 hours ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

3 hours ago

I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project...

Danny Shapiro

New lanes open to motorists as part of I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is one step closer to completion after new lanes on the highway recently opened, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Son’s death moves Arizona senator to back legalizing fentanyl testing strips