NH Decriminalizes Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips

With Governor Chris Sununu’s signature last week, New Hampshire has removed fentanyl and xylazine testing equipment from the definition of ‘drug paraphernalia’ in state law.

Several efforts sought to decriminalize what harm reduction advocates call life-saving tools in an increasingly contaminated drug market.

Of 2022’s 486 confirmed fatal drug deaths in New Hampshire, 410 involved either fentanyl alone or fentanyl combined with other drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.