Garden State Times

Assemblyman John Azzariti of New Jersey is advocating for increased awareness of the dangers posed by fentanyl and the emerging drug xylazine, urging for education on these lethal substances to be incorporated into the state's health learning standards. Azzariti emphasized the importance of educating young people about the risks associated with these drugs to prevent them from falling victim to addiction and experimentation.

Azzariti introduced a bill named "Max’s Law," in memory of Max Lenowitz, who tragically lost his life to fentanyl poisoning after consuming a counterfeit Xanax pill. The proposed legislation, A3909, mandates that school districts in New Jersey include teachings on fentanyl and xylazine to educate students about the risks of these substances.

Speaking about the increasing prevalence of fentanyl and the emergence of xylazine in the illicit drug market, Azzariti highlighted the dangers of these substances and their potential to deepen addiction. He pointed out that xylazine, when combined with fentanyl, poses additional risks as it does not respond to the overdose-reversing medication Narcan.

The bill aims to equip students with knowledge on drug abuse prevention, poisoning awareness, and the symptoms of fentanyl and xylazine poisoning. Azzariti stressed the importance of proactive education in combating the opioid crisis and emphasized the potential life-saving impact of such initiatives.

Patrice Lenowitz, mother of Max Lenowitz, expressed support for Max’s Law, highlighting the importance of open conversations with children about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs. She emphasized the highly addictive and lethal nature of these substances, underscoring the need for informed and prepared parents and educators to keep children safe.

The proposed legislation has gained traction in New Jersey, with other states like California, Illinois, Mississippi, Oregon, and Texas already implementing similar laws. Washington state has also taken steps towards enacting comparable measures, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of educating young people about the risks associated with fentanyl and xylazine.

Senator Holly Schepisi sponsors the Senate bill S2818, further signaling the bipartisan effort to address the dangers posed by these potent and potentially deadly substances through education and awareness initiatives.