PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation are warning the public after a case of suspected fentanyl-laced marijuana was reported.
According to officials, an adult man experienced overdose symptoms Thursday after smoking marijuana that had a blue-white tint and a chemical taste. He told authorities he had never felt that way before when using marijuana. At the emergency room, he tested positive for opioids. The man has since recovered.
The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that he lives in eastern South Dakota, but the exact location has not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
“This is an especially dangerous time, and the public is encouraged not to engage in the use of marijuana and controlled substances, and if after taking these controlled substances and feeling sick, immediately seek medical attention,” said Jackley.
Last week Emily’s Hope representatives traveled to the nation’s capital to meet with lawmakers and gain valuable information about the nation’s opioid epidemic. During a meeting with the new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Derek Maltz, Maltz warned about the dangers of illicit marijuana.
“The majority of the black market marijuana in this country right now is being grown in Chinese grow operations. I’ve been told by experts that not only is the THC content going up, but there are Chinese pesticides being sprayed on these plants,” said Maltz.