Take Political Action
Take Political Action to Legalize Drug Test Kits
Let’s create thoughtful, impactful change, together.
The Bunk Police is no stranger to the frustration of outdated laws, slow-moving government processes, and a misunderstanding of crucial public safety issues. Despite the U.S. losing over 110,000 lives to overdose in the last year, lifesaving drug checking kits are still illegal in some states.
Even when changes are being made amongst public perception and education, the larger legal and governmental systems in place make it extremely difficult to ensure available, accessible, and universally legal drug checking equipment.
As overdose deaths continue to rise, we know something needs to be done… now.
The good news? YOU have the power to help make change.
We’ve put together these resources to help you learn about your state’s legal status on drug checking equipment (DCE), harm reduction, and fentanyl test strips. We’ll show you how to write up letters using Resistbot, along with copy-and-paste templates, personalized by state.
Spread the word, and join the movement towards saving lives.
Send the word RESIST to the bot on Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram or by text to the phone number 50409.
Answer the questions the bot texts you, and in two minutes, you’ll have sent a letter to your elected officials. You do not need to look up who your representatives are or write or call each of them. Resistbot does it all for you (it will even write the letter for you if you want) and delivers electronically, via fax, or postal mail.
Resistbot Makes Fighting For Your Cause Easier Than Ever
Resistbot is an AI-powered platform that facilitates and streamlines the process of communicating with political representatives, allowing users to effortlessly voice their concerns and support movements, by generating personalized letters through artificial intelligence.
You can learn more about Resistbot in our deep dive article, or visit their website.
Here's How to Use Resistbot to Help Legalize Drug Checking Kits in Your State:
- First, text “RESIST” to 50409 to connect with Resistbot.
- Answer the questions Resistbot asks you, and send a news article, opinion post, or bill that will explain your topic, along with your stance on the issue. Resistbot will then write a letter on your behalf!
- Review your letter and make any changes you see fit before selecting where to send your letter from a list of representatives.
- That’s it! You’ve now contacted your elected officials and told them you support legalizing drug checking kits.
Letter Templates by State
We used Resistbot to help create these ready-to-go templates by state. Copy and paste, or use one of the provided articles to create your own.
Sending your letter electronically is great, but sending physical letters is an even better way for our representatives to tangibly see the need for the legalization of drug checking equipment.
Intro (all states):
The urgent need to address the nationwide overdose epidemic, which claimed over 110,000 lives in a 12-month period, cannot be overstated. Over 66% of these deaths were related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
Harm reduction organizations, such as The Bunk Police, are actively working to mitigate this issue, by educating individuals on adulterated substances, and providing test kits and other resources to detect the presence of fentanyl and other dangerous adulterants. However, the legal classification of test kits as drug paraphernalia causes these types of harm reduction organizations, along with individuals, to frequently encounter obstacles that impede their ability to safely access these tools and, ultimately, save lives. It is crucial to remove drug checking kits from this classification, as they are a vital tool in preventing overdose, injury, and drug-related fatalities.
Body (by state):
Two bills addressing this issue are currently pending in the state legislature. The reclassification of drug checking kits, such as fentanyl test strips, would be a significant step in reducing the risk of fentanyl overdoses, and saving lives.
The proposed legalization of fentanyl test strips is a crucial step towards harm reduction. However, it is equally important to consider the legalization of all drug checking kits. These kits can empower individuals to make informed decisions about substance use, potentially reducing the risk of overdose. Therefore, it is requested that the scope of the bill be expanded to include all drug checking kits, thereby providing a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis. This approach aligns with the broader goal of prioritizing public health and safety over punitive measures.
A promising solution is the Seal Project Corp., a nonprofit initiative in Idaho, which aims to increase fentanyl awareness and provide access to naloxone, an overdose reversal drug. The project plans to install Narcan vending machines in public spaces, following the FDA’s decision to make Narcan available over-the-counter. However, the distribution of fentanyl testing strips, a crucial tool in preventing overdoses, is currently illegal in Idaho. Therefore, it is imperative to reconsider the legislation surrounding drug checking kits, including fentanyl strips, to enhance public safety measures. This change could potentially save lives by allowing individuals to test substances for fentanyl, thus preventing accidental overdoses. The legalization of these kits would be a significant step towards a comprehensive approach to the fentanyl crisis.
The opioid crisis in Illinois is escalating, with Cook County witnessing 2,000 opioid overdose deaths last year, 1,407 of which occurred in Chicago. A crucial step in lowering these numbers is the legalization of all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, in Illinois. These kits can potentially save lives, by allowing individuals to test substances for harmful contaminants. Legalizing these kits would help to destigmatize harm reduction efforts and promote evidence-based strategies to address the opioid crisis. Therefore, it is requested that you consider supporting legislation to legalize all drug checking kits in Illinois.
The escalating drug overdose crisis in Indiana necessitates urgent action. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl strips, could be a significant step towards harm reduction. These kits empower individuals to make informed decisions about their substance use, potentially preventing fatal overdoses. Therefore, it is crucial to reconsider the current legislation surrounding these kits.
The escalating drug overdose crisis in Iowa necessitates urgent action. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl strips, could be a significant step towards harm reduction. These kits empower individuals to make informed decisions about their substance use, potentially preventing fatal overdoses. Therefore, it is crucial to reconsider the current legislation surrounding these kits.
The lack of access to Narcan, a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drug, in over 40% of Mississippi pharmacies is alarming. The escalating drug overdose crisis in Missouri necessitates urgent action. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, can help prevent overdoses. These kits provide users with crucial information about the substances they are consuming, potentially saving lives. Therefore, it is requested that legislation be considered to legalize these kits, thereby enhancing harm reduction strategies and reducing opioid-related fatalities.
The escalating synthetic drug crisis in Missouri, marked by a staggering 790% increase in synthetic opioid-related overdose deaths over a decade, necessitates urgent action. The recommendation to carry Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, is a step in the right direction. However, a more comprehensive approach is needed. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, in Missouri would allow users to identify harmful substances before consumption, potentially saving lives. This measure aligns with the Biden Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy, which advocates for greater access to harm reduction interventions. Therefore, it is requested that legislation be enacted to legalize these kits. This action could significantly reduce the number of preventable overdose deaths.
The escalating crisis of fentanyl-related overdoses in Montana, with nearly 200 fatalities in 2021, necessitates urgent action. Yellowstone, Missoula, and Cascade counties are particularly affected, with a combined total of 101 opioid overdose-related calls in the first quarter of 2023 alone. While commendable efforts are underway to reduce stigma and provide harm reduction interventions, the current legislation exempting fentanyl testing strips from being considered illegal drug paraphernalia needs to be expanded. It is crucial to legalize all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, to prevent unknowing consumption and reduce the number of opioid-related overdoses. This measure could significantly contribute to public health and safety in Montana.
The escalating fentanyl crisis in North Dakota, marked by 121 overdoses and 18 fatalities between January and November of 2022, necessitates urgent action. The surge in opioid usage, particularly among individuals aged 20-28, is attributed to increased accessibility and reduced costs. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, could be a crucial step towards harm reduction. These kits empower individuals to make informed decisions, potentially preventing overdoses. Therefore, it is requested that legislation be considered to legalize these kits, contributing to a comprehensive approach to address this public health crisis.
The recent decision to make Narcan available in Ohio rest areas is a commendable step towards addressing the opioid crisis. However, a more comprehensive approach is needed. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, can further prevent overdoses. These kits empower individuals to make informed decisions about substance use, potentially saving lives. It’s crucial to prioritize public health and safety over punitive measures. Therefore, it is requested to consider legislation that legalizes all drug checking kits in Ohio. This proactive approach can complement the availability of Narcan, creating a more robust harm reduction strategy.
The Racial Equity Advancement in Communities through Harm Reduction (REACH) grant program is a crucial initiative in Pennsylvania, aiming to address the alarming surge in opioid overdose deaths, particularly among Black and Indigenous communities. This program, formed by Vital Strategies and The Scattergood Foundation, will provide $50,000 to selected grantees for implementing harm reduction interventions. However, to enhance the effectiveness of such interventions, it is essential to legalize all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips. These kits can empower individuals to make informed decisions, potentially reducing the risk of overdose. Therefore, it is requested to consider the legalization of these kits as a complementary strategy to the REACH program, thereby strengthening our collective efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
The escalating overdose rates in South Dakota necessitate urgent action. The proposed bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips, currently classified as drug paraphernalia, is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. It is crucial to legalize all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips. These strips, used in harm reduction efforts, can potentially decrease overdose rates and overall drug use by enabling individuals to test their substances. Therefore, it is requested that legislation be considered to not only decriminalize, but legalize these kits, contributing to a comprehensive approach to address this public health crisis.
The opioid crisis in Texas has resulted in significant economic and human costs, affecting families and communities deeply. To mitigate this crisis, it is crucial to consider harm reduction strategies, such as legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl strips. These kits can potentially save lives, by allowing individuals to test substances for dangerous contaminants. By legalizing these kits, we can provide a practical, immediate solution that empowers individuals and reduces harm. This approach aligns with broader efforts to address the crisis, including settlements with opioid companies and funding for harm reduction programs. The legalization of drug checking kits is a necessary step in our collective response to the opioid epidemic.
The escalating opioid crisis in Utah necessitates urgent action. The recent allocation of $2.7 million by the CDC to Utah for overdose reduction is a positive step, but more can be done. Legalizing all drug checking kits, including fentanyl test strips, could be a crucial harm reduction strategy. These kits can empower individuals to make informed decisions, potentially reducing the risk of overdose. The International Overdose Awareness Day events in Utah demonstrated the importance of education, training, and resources in combating this crisis. Therefore, it is requested that legislation be considered to legalize all drug checking kits. This could be a significant step towards reducing overdose fatalities and providing support to those affected by substance abuse.
Closing (all states):
The legal classification of drug checking kits as drug paraphernalia is a harmful policy that creates unnecessary barriers to the safety and protection of individual lives. By reclassifying drug checking kits as legal tools, we can make it easier for individuals to protect themselves from fentanyl poisoning, and reduce the burden of the overdose epidemic on our communities.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Looking for more ways to get involved?
The Bunk Police Street Team aims to empower our communities by spreading awareness about drug checking kits and the danger of misrepresented drugs. Our goal is to help as many people as possible avoid hazardous research chemicals, including fentanyl, “bath salts” (synthetic cathinones), and countless lesser known substances that can be found masquerading as popular recreational drugs.
Visit our Street Team page to learn more and apply!
