{"id":371674,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-heroin-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-23T09:46:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T14:46:52","slug":"arkansas-heroin-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-heroin-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Laws for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arkansas Laws for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioids<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In the existing opioid crisis, Arkansas has taken measures to fight against opioid-related deaths and incidents. From legislative actions to the availability of treatment for drug overdose, the state is addressing the issue<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

This article looks at Arkansas’ laws related to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. It details the measures that the state takes to address these challenges and the penalties that the laws provide to deter people from illegal drug possession and drug trafficking.<\/p>\r\n

Opioid Crisis in Arkansas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In 2020 alone, Arkansas witnessed a concerning increase in opioid-related deaths. 547 fatalities<\/a> were caused by drug overdoses. This number marks a significant rise from the previous years.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Arkansas is fighting against an opioid crisis, marked by the state’s launch of the Arkansas Opioid Response Dashboard<\/a> in 2020. The Opioid Response Dashboard is a collaborative effort by law enforcement and state officials. It aims to provide comprehensive data on opioid deaths, overdoses, and arrests.<\/p>\r\n

This tool is crucial in helping the state direct resources effectively. It also informs the public about the scope and specifics of the opioid epidemic.<\/p>\r\n

Arkansas also implemented various lifesaving measures. This includes the passage of Act 651 in 2021<\/a>. This act requires physicians to prescribe naloxone together with opioid prescription drugs. Naloxone is known as a drug that reverses opioid overdose. The act was a success as first responders in the state saved over 1,000 lives in 2021 alone using naloxone.<\/p>\r\n

These initiatives by the state reflect its comprehensive approach to fight against the opioid epidemic through preventive measures as well as through emergency response.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Arkansas\u2019 Drug Schedules<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Arkansas state law categorizes controlled substances into six categories called schedules. These schedules range from Schedule I to VI. These drugs are classified based on their potential for drug abuse and the danger they pose to the public.<\/p>\r\n

For instance, Schedule I substances<\/a> are those with a high potential for drug abuse, and there is no accepted medical use. Schedule II, on the other hand, has an accepted medical use, but its abuse could lead to severe physical or psychological dependence.<\/p>\r\n

The penalties and legal consequences for unlawful possession or sale of these controlled substances often depend on what schedule the controlled substance falls in. That is why it is crucial to learn and understand these classifications.<\/p>\r\n

Arkansas\u2019 Drug Classifications<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Arkansas law categorizes controlled substances into six categories, which are then assigned to the Secretary of the Department of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule I:<\/b><\/p>\r\n