SSDP Joins Letter Opposing Halt Fentanyl Act

The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently places all “fentanyl-related substances” (FRS) on schedule I of the
Controlled Substances Act. By placing the entire class of FRS on schedule I, HALT Fentanyl makes it a
federal crime—subject to harsh mandatory minimum penalties—to manufacture, import, or possess
with intent to distribute any of the potentially thousands of substances that fall within the definition of
FRS. Additionally, HALT Fentanyl expands mandatory minimums in drug analogue prosecutions.

A vote in favor of HALT Fentanyl is a vote for mandatory minimums. A vote in favor of HALT Fentanyl is a vote for racial inequity. A vote in favor of HALT Fentanyl is a vote against overdose prevention and evidence-based public health strategies that reduce the harms of problematic drug use.

By criminalizing FRS without regard to pharmacological effect, HALT Fentanyl will stymie research into FRS and make it a crime to develop even proven anecdotes to fentanyl. Moreover, by doubling down on a criminal justice approach to drug use, HALT Fentanyl will exacerbate the harms associated with problemaFc drug use, such as overdose.

Read the Letter

Learn more about the HALT Fentanyl Act