Market Data
Understanding the Risks and Legalities of Buying Drugs Online
This is particularly the case on the Internet, where it is very easy to get access to harmful and deviant content and form social contacts with like-minded peers (Keipi et al., 2017; Oksanen et al., 2016; Oksanen et al., 2014). Negative influences gained online might be enforced by “social cliques” or “social bubbles” of other similar people (Kaakinen, Sirola, et al., 2018; Keipi et al., 2017; Koivula et al., 2019; Savolainen et al., 2020). However, strong ties with offline friends have been shown to buffer risky online behavior (Kaakinen, Keipi, et al., 2018). Several studies have found that strong social bonds offline are generally related to multiple health and subjective wellbeing benefits (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Slatcher & Selcuk, 2017). The ED drugs and herbal remedies you buy on the internet aren’t always what they seem. An FDA investigation found that more than one-third of “dietary supplements” sold for ED actually contained prescription drugs, including sildenafil, the medicine in Viagra.
The internet has made a plethora of information accessible, including options for purchasing various substances. However, the question of how can I buy drugs online is fraught with significant legal and health considerations.
- One 2015 study of 2723 dark web sites showed 57% hosting illicit material.
- You could easily get scammed, possibly purchase dodgy drugs, and potentially even end up with a felony charge.
- Moreover, Dynata is one of the highest data quality prolific panel providers (Eyal et al., 2021).
- Renaissance Recovery is a treatment community that has partnerships with Orange County rehabs and offers sober living homes to all clients who need it.
- You may end up with medicine that isn’t safe to take with other medicines or products that you use.
The 2022 seizures are equivalent to more than 397 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Fentanyl-laced pills have been found in every state and are linked to numerous deaths throughout the US. A dose of only 2 milligrams, the size of 2 grains of salt, is fatal for most people. Learn more about the threats illegal drugs pose in DEA’s National Drug Threat Assessment.
Legal Implications
In 2013 the FBI – Federal Bureau of investigation shut down “Silk Road” which was (at the time) said to be the world’s biggest illegal drug marketplace, and which is reported to have had an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue since its creation. According to some sources “Silk Road 2.0” was up and running inside a year. Last May, Operation Pangea saw Interpol working in 92 countries to shut down a record number of illicit and fake online pharmacies. 100,000 different online shopping sites were closed or removed, nearly 300 arrests made, and fake medicines worth almost £10 million seized. Non-prescription drug use in the home is also a major factor that influences teen substance abuse. If parents, older siblings, other relatives or housemates use illicit drugs, teenagers likely have easy access to them.
But if you are considering buying medicines online, it is a good idea to be cautious. Many online shops that sell medicines are entirely legitimate, but unfortunately, some online shops sell medicines illegally. We often have adults tell us that they have attended the social media & drugs course, both as a professional and parent. Concerns are raised and questions asked how they can best protect their young people.
Buying drugs online often falls into a legal grey area. Here are key points to consider:
- Legislation varies by country: What may be legal in one country could be illegal in another.
- Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.
- Counterfeit drugs: The risk of receiving a fake or diluted product is high when buying from unregulated sources.
Hernandez concealed his criminal activity by accepting payment only in the form of Bitcoin and operating under the online monikers “dragoncove,” “originaldragoncove” and “theoriginaldragoncove”. Hernandez shipped packages under fictitious names and directed customers to contact him through encrypted messaging services. As alleged, defendant Edison Hernandez was a highly rated vendor of illegal narcotics on Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market and Wall Street Market. From January 2013 until April 2019, Hernandez advertised and sold heroin and cocaine to customers in the United States through these dark web marketplaces.
The link between low self-control and delinquency has been widely tested in criminology (Pratt & Cullen, 2000; Vazsonyi et al., 2017), and in relation to digital deviance and crime (Henson et al., 2017; Reyns et al., 2014). Integrative meta-analyses showed that high self-control is widely related to desirable outcomes and low self-control is related to deviant and addictive behaviors (Bendayan & Blanca, 2019; De Ridder & Lensvelt-Mulders, 2018). Thus, we expect that easy access to social media sources for acquiring drugs could lead to more opportunities to engage in daily use of drugs in individuals with low self-control.
“It is currently a minority way to get drugs, but it really mimics the growth in e-commerce – we buy things online becuase it is convenient, cheap, and there is a better product range.” Some online retailers allow customers to fill their prescriptions and make medication purchases online. With illegal and prescription drugs now available 24 hours a day, online, in-person and over the counter, addiction is even harder to escape from.
Health Risks
Buying drugs online can pose serious health risks:
- Unknown substances: Without proper regulation, it’s impossible to know the purity and contents of the drugs.
- Potential addiction: Many substances can lead to addiction, especially if misused.
- Drug interactions: Mixing drugs can have dangerous or fatal consequences.
How to Approach Online Drug Purchases Safely (If Considering the Legal Route)
If someone is determined to make an online purchase legally, here’s a general guideline:
- Research licensed pharmacies: Look for pharmacies that are certified and have a physical location. They should require a prescription for medications.
- Check reviews: Look at customer feedback to ensure the authenticity of the online pharmacy.
- Compare prices: Ensure the prices are in line with established pharmacies to avoid scams.
- Verify legality: Make sure your purchases comply with your local laws and regulations.
FAQs About Buying Drugs Online
Is it legal to buy prescription medication online?
Yes, but only from licensed pharmacies and typically with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
What should I do if I receive counterfeit drugs?
Report the pharmacy to the relevant authorities and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
How can I spot a legitimate online pharmacy?
Look for features like a physical address, licensed pharmacist availability, and secure payment options.
Conclusion
While how can I buy drugs online may seem straightforward, the associated risks and legal implications must not be overlooked. Always prioritize safety, legality, and health above all else.
