The Fentanyl Crisis Demands Relentless Action—For Today’s Victims & Our Children’s Future
Across the United States, families are being torn apart by a crisis that shows no signs of slowing: the deadly spread of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Every day, more than 200 Americans lose their lives to drug overdoses—many unknowingly exposed to fentanyl hidden in counterfeit pills or laced into other substances. This is not just a public health emergency. It is a public safety catastrophe.
At Common Sense America, we believe that protecting our communities starts with confronting hard truths. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. It’s cheap, potent, and increasingly trafficked by criminal networks that prey on our most vulnerable. The consequences ripple far beyond the individual—devastating families, overwhelming law enforcement, and destabilizing entire neighborhoods.
That’s why we commend recent federal action, including the bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law this summer and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This move empowers federal agencies to crack down on trafficking and close loopholes that have allowed synthetic variants to flood our streets. We also applaud the introduction of the Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act, which brings together federal agencies to disrupt supply chains and hold foreign producers accountable.
But federal action alone is not enough. States must lead with courage and clarity—and Colorado is doing just that. A newly proposed statute would strengthen criminal penalties for the distribution, manufacturing, and possession of fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids. It also introduces mandated treatment for certain drug felony violations and reforms sentencing provisions to eliminate dangerous exemptions for crimes that result in overdose deaths Colorado Ballot Initiative #85.
This is the kind of balanced, forward-thinking policy we need: one that holds traffickers accountable, supports treatment for those struggling with addiction, and protects our communities from further harm. It’s a recognition that justice and compassion must go hand in hand.
We urge lawmakers, voters, and community leaders across the country to follow Colorado’s lead. The fentanyl crisis will not be solved overnight—but with smart legislation, strong enforcement, and unwavering commitment, we can turn the tide. Let us act not just for today’s victims, but for the children who deserve to grow up in safe, vibrant communities free from the shadow of this epidemic.
The time for half-measures is over. The time for common sense is now.
