Executive order fuels conversation about treatment for substance use disorder

Meanwhile, concerns about preventing cychlorphine overdose deaths continued.

A recent executive order aiming to support research on the therapeutic benefits of psychoactive drugs sparked questions about substance use disorder treatment online. Meanwhile, a death in South Carolina potentially involving cychlorphine fueled more conversation about the opioid, and a post revived debate about whether marijuana can be laced with fentanyl.

In response, communicators may share SUD treatment resources, recirculate information about cychlorphine, and clarify falsehoods about fentanyl-laced marijuana.

---

What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

On April 18, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to expedite research into the potential therapeutic benefits of drugs like LSD, ecstasy, and psilocybin by lifting some research restrictions. The order also dedicated funding for research into ibogaine, an illegal psychoactive plant compound that has been shown to potentially help treat SUD in limited research. Social media users were largely supportive and hopeful, framing the executive order as a step toward new SUD treatment options. Some also shared personal stories about seeking ibogaine treatment in other countries to manage opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Others asked what ibogaine is and where they can get it.

Conversations continued about cychlorphine—a potent opioid linked to overdose deaths across states—after a South Carolina coroner reported a death that was potentially related to the drug. A Facebook post sharing the article garnered approximately 728,600 views, 1,700 reactions, 3,400 shares, and 600 comments as of April 21. Some commenters suggested without evidence that cychlorphine’s presence in the U.S. drug supply is a government-led “population control” plan. Others expressed fear and asked how to tell if cychlorphine has been mixed with other illicit drugs.

On April 6, an X user alleged that if marijuana smells like burning popcorn or plastic while smoking or like Lemon Pledge or pine while vaping, that means there is fentanyl in it. The post received approximately 531,600 views, 11,000 likes, 1,900 reposts, and 70 comments as of April 21. Commenters debated whether marijuana can be laced with fentanyl. Some suggested that certain compounds in marijuana may cause it to smell like popcorn, lemon, and pine. Several encouraged others to only purchase marijuana from verified retailers.

---

Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.

Conversations about research into psychedelic treatments provide an opportunity to share information about existing FDA-approved options for treating SUD. Messaging may highlight that these treatments are effective, outline the different types of medications, explain how they work, and connect people to SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) to find treatment for themselves or a loved one. Additional messaging may explain that ibogaine is not currently approved for use in the U.S. and comes with risks like heart problems, seizures, vomiting, and unwanted hallucinogenic effects. Additional messaging may share local resources, including drug treatment centers, recovery groups, therapist directories, and harm reduction programs, which offer tools that help people who use drugs live healthier lives and connect people to treatment when they are ready.

As news spreads about cychlorphine, community members are looking for information about how to prevent overdose deaths from it. Messaging may explain that while no commercially available drug test strips can detect cychlorphine, Narcan is still effective against this and other opioids. Communicators may emphasize that multiple doses of Narcan, given two to three minutes apart, may be needed due to cychlorphine’s potency. Reiterating the signs of an overdose and overdose response steps is recommended. Communicators may also want to highlight community programs that offer free naloxone, explain where to buy it nearby, and share information about any local naloxone trainings.

In light of concerns about fentanyl-laced marijuana, communicators may clarify that many anecdotal reports about fentanyl-laced marijuana have been found to be false and that the risk of encountering fentanyl-laced marijuana is low. Messaging may explain that using fentanyl test strips to determine if marijuana contains fentanyl is not recommended, as test strips are designed for testing powders and pills. Communicators may emphasize that purchasing marijuana from a licensed dispensary is the best way to ensure that it is not contaminated.