To combat opioid overdoses, Gov. Greg Abbott says he supports decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips

Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday signaled his support for decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips, reversing his previous opposition to the idea as part of his efforts to fight opioid overdoses in the state. (Credit: Lauren Witte/The Texas Tribune)

Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday said he supports decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips, reversing his previous opposition to the idea as he tries to fight an increase in opioid overdoses in the state, which he has made a point of emphasis heading into January’s legislative session.

He made the statement after visiting with University of Houston researchers who have developed a fentanyl vaccine that targets the synthetic opioid and could block its ability to enter the brain, eliminating the drug’s euphoric effects. University officials said the drug could have a breakthrough effect by becoming a relapse prevention agent for people trying to quit opioid use, which is notoriously difficult.