Forensic Chemistry - Rebecca Stone from the Kentucky State Police

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
There is a chase happening in the world of chemistry. The list of drugs and chemicals being abused is growing so fast that no one can truly keep up. We are all aware of fentanyl at this point, but what most people do not realize is that fentanyl is an umbrella-term for a whole category of drugs.
The terrifying fact is this: most people are unaware of the chemical mixtures out there. If someone thinks they are taking a Xanax pill, it could very easily be a counterfeit pill made with 5 different kinds of fentanyl.
It is nearly impossible for anyone to know exactly what drugs and chemicals they are buying or selling. One place that can tell what is in a drug is the Kentucky State Police's forensic lab. On this episode, chemist Rebecca Stone tells us about the changing drug landscape from a chemical perspective. This science-heavy episode is not meant to bring a level of understanding, but just a basic awareness of what is out there.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
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