Police issue warning after woman in R.I. dies from fentanyl-laced pot

Police in Rhode Island are warning the public following the death of a young woman who purportedly died after she unknowingly consumed marijuana laced with fentanyl.

The Warwick Police Department said the 27-year-old, whom they did not identify, was found unresponsive at a local hotel at about 2:34 a.m. Thursday. She had consumed marijuana that had not been purchased from a licensed dispensary, the department said in a news release. 

The woman was ultimately pronounced dead, despite lifesaving efforts.

Warwick police said a preliminary investigation indicated the marijuana she consumed was contaminated with fentanyl, “a powerful synthetic opioid that can be lethal even in small amounts.” The department urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing or consuming marijuana from an unregulated source.

“As our investigation continues, we are working to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger trend,” Warwick Police Capt. Daniel DiMaio said in a statement. 

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.