Indiana Takes a Big Step to Combat the Overdose Crisis

Fentanyl test strips are now officially legal in Indiana, marking a major shift in the state’s approach to harm reduction.

Indiana has officially legalized fentanyl test strips, removing them from the state’s paraphernalia classification and making them accessible as a harm reduction tool. The change comes in response to rising overdose deaths across the Hoosier State, with fentanyl now responsible for more than 70 percent of overdose fatalities statewide, according to data shared by the Indiana Department of Health.

Fentanyl Test Strips No Longer Classified as Paraphernalia

Possessing fentanyl test strips in Indiana previously could result in criminal charges, depending on how local prosecutors interpreted state paraphernalia laws. The previous law made it illegal to possess any item used to test a substance for the presence, potency, or safety of a drug. This placed test strips in a legal gray area, despite their intended use to prevent accidental overdoses.

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Thanks to a bipartisan effort, House Enrolled Act 1167 officially removes fentanyl test strips from that category. The updated law now allows individuals and harm reduction organizations to distribute and use the fentanyl strips without fear of prosecution.

How Fentanyl Test Strips Work

The change is expected to expand access to the strips, which are designed to detect fentanyl in street drugs. The test involves dissolving a small sample in water and dipping in the strip. Results typically appear within two minutes, giving users a fast way to check if fentanyl is present.

Why the Change Matters for Overdose Prevention

Overdose Deaths Linked to Fentanyl in Indiana and Nationwide

In Indianapolis, fentanyl was involved in more than 90 percent of opioid overdose deaths last year, according to data from the Marion County Coroner's Office. The DEA says that fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death among adults ages 18 to 45 nationwide.

Where to Get Free Fentanyl Strips and Naloxone in Indiana

With the new law in place, organizations like Indiana's Overdose Lifeline are distributing strips more widely. The goal is to provide people with tools that reduce harm and prevent fatal overdoses, particularly among populations that are at higher risk due to the increasing presence of fentanyl in the unregulated drug supply. You can find access to free Naloxone statewide, and you can have fentanyl test strips mailed right to your door in Indiana.