Overdose Deaths Outpacing Homicides in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia News reported Monday that despite the city having seen one of its deadliest weekends, drug overdoses, particularly from a batch of heroin laced with the even more powerful opiate fentanyl are claiming even more lives. The important thing to remember is that heroin users aren't dying simply because fentanyl is more potent than heroin. They are dying because the substance they are buying on the black market is more powerful than they believe it to be -- they think they are getting heroin, or if they're not sure they crave their fix so strongly that they are willing to take the chance. The illegal drug supply is uncertain in this way, because it is illegal, and for no other reason. Among legalization's many benefits will be increased safety for users, particularly addicts, and fewer accidental deaths. Send a letter to the editor to views@phillynews.com.