New Chart Shows Unbelievable Increases in Fentanyl Deaths Over the Last Five Years

The Opioid Crisis is no mystery, but there’s a new drug on the scene that is causing some of the most alarming statistics in recent memory. You’ve probably heard of fentanyl by now, the deadly synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. But it’s difficult to see what kind of damage this drug is doing to communities unless you take a step back and look at the big picture. 

The Washington Post recently did a huge story on fentanyl and how the Obama administration didn’t take the necessary steps to get it under control when they had the chance. A part of that story, is this telling graphic, that depicts the increases in fentanyl deaths from 2013-2017.

What’s interesting about this graphic is how different the rates of death are across the different geographical regions of the United States. The east coast is taking the brunt of the crisis while the west coast appears relatively unaffected. It makes you wonder what conditions or regulations have allowed the outbreak in the east, and if it’s only a matter of time before the west follows. 

It seems now would be a good time to take another look at medical marijuana and if perhaps it would be a better alternative to fentanyl and other opioids in treating pain.