Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality Research Act

Summary

“This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and other activities related to identifying xylazine (a compound used in veterinary medicine as a nonopioid tranquilizer), novel synthetic opioids, and other emerging substances of concern.”

The bill asks that NIST, part of the US Department of Commerce, commit resources to identify new strains of synthetic opioids.

The bill essentially calls for research, but it is important to examine the government’s motivations behind investigating these drugs to determine if their efforts are justified. It is crucial to establish whether the research is intended to inform subsequent action by the government, most likely in the form of enforcing laws that restrict or prohibit these opioids.

Commentary

While the Bible does not specifically address opioids, we can draw a parallel from the concept of drunkenness. Wine is not forbidden in the Bible and is even recommended for medicinal purposes, such as in the case of Timothy’s stomach ailments (1 Tim. 5:23). However, the scripture advises against drunkenness, highlighting the adverse consequences associated with it in various passages (Eph. 5:18, Deut. 21:18-21, Prov. 23:20). The effects of opioids described by the Mayo Clinic seem to resemble those of drunkenness.

At lower doses, opioids may make you feel sleepy, but higher doses can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death. And the feelings of pleasure that result from taking an opioid can make you want to continue experiencing those feelings, which may lead to addiction. (source)

We should now consider the role of the civil government in enforcing laws related to drunkenness and determine if there is a more suitable authority to govern these matters. When the effects of drunkenness lead to actions that are illegal, the civil magistrate should enforce the existing laws. For instance, if intoxication results in a case of murder, such as in instances of driving under the influence, a punishment of “life for life” may be considered appropriate, as it is impossible to provide restitution for a lost life. Similarly, if inebriation leads to the violation of other commandments, appropriate penalties or restitution should be imposed to address the transgressions of the law.

However, it does not necessarily follow that the use of opioids is inherently sinful. Opioids are prescribed for pain management and have legitimate uses in modern medicine. The line is crossed when they are used as an idolatrous escape, and any resulting criminal activities stem from that escape. We strongly disapprove of the excessive use of opioids, which is evident across the country due to the unrestricted flow of drugs for abusive purposes across borders and elsewhere.

Conclusion

Requesting and authorizing government-funded research on opioids through federal departments is neither supported by biblical principles nor a wise use of taxpayer money.