New Jersey recently passed a new law that changes how students learn about drugs in school. This law comes at a time when the opioid crisis, especially fentanyl and xylazine addiction, has become a leading concern for young people and their families across the state.
Many students and parents have questions about what Max’s Law means and how it will affect school lessons. Understanding the background of the law and the people behind it helps explain why it was created. At Discovery Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, we’re committed to supporting education and prevention efforts that help protect young people from substance use disorders.
What is Max’s Law?
Max’s Law is legislation in New Jersey that requires public schools to teach students about the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. Senator Holly Schepisi introduced this law, which is officially called Bill S-2818. The law is named after Max Lenowitz, a New Jersey resident who died from fentanyl poisoning after taking what he thought was a safe prescription pill.
This version of Max’s Law in New Jersey focuses specifically on drug education. Other states have laws with the same name that address completely different issues:
- Missouri’s Max’s Law: Increases penalties for violence against police dogs
- Oregon’s Max’s Law: Manages concussion protocols for student athletes
- New Jersey’s Max’s Law: Requires fentanyl and xylazine education in schools
Dangers of Fentanyl and Xylazine
The risks associated with fentanyl and xylazine, especially when combined, encompass an increased likelihood of fatal overdose, severe skin injuries, and complex withdrawal symptoms. The key elements of New Jersey’s legislation include mandatory curriculum development, teacher training requirements, and integration with existing health education programs.
The combination of fentanyl and xylazine results in a more perilous substance, often referred to as “tranq dope,” which presents significant and distinct hazards compared to fentanyl on its own.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can lead to fatal overdose even from a minuscule amount. Its associated dangers include:
- Respiratory depression: It inhibits the central nervous system, potentially causing breathing to slow down or cease altogether.
- Overdose risk: The risk of overdose is substantial, particularly when an individual is unaware that a substance contains fentanyl.
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that has been approved for veterinary applications and is unsafe for human consumption.
- Enhanced sedative effects: When combined with opioids, it dangerously amplifies the sedative effects, resulting in significantly reduced heart rate and blood pressure.
- Severe skin wounds: Long-term use is linked to painful, necrotic skin ulcers and abscesses that can manifest anywhere on the body, not limited to injection sites. In extreme cases, these may necessitate amputation.
- Complicated withdrawal: Withdrawal from xylazine can be intense and may complicate the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Max’s Law for Fentanyl and Xylazine Education
This legislation was proposed in February 2024, following the tragic death of Max Lenowitz and the escalating threat posed by synthetic opioids.
The Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act, referred to as “Max’s Law,” mandates that New Jersey schools provide education to students in grades 6 through 12 regarding the dangers linked to these substances.
The Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act, referred to as “Max’s Law,” mandates that New Jersey schools provide education to students in grades 6 through 12 regarding the dangers linked to these substances.
The educational program must include:
- Prevention of fentanyl and xylazine abuse.
- Awareness and identification of poisoning symptoms.
- Appropriate responses during a poisoning emergency.
- Legal protections for individuals who report drug or alcohol use in emergencies.
Why Fentanyl and Xylazine Education Matters in Schools
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Even a tiny amount can cause death. Xylazine, sometimes called “tranq,” is a veterinary sedative not approved for human use. When mixed with fentanyl, it creates an especially dangerous combination.
The CDC reports that synthetic opioid deaths, primarily from fentanyl, have increased dramatically over the past three years. Young people face particular risks because counterfeit pills often look identical to legitimate prescription medications. Counterfeit pill dangers include:
- Deceptive appearance: Fake pills look like prescription medications such as Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall
- Unknown contents: These pills may contain fentanyl, xylazine, or other harmful substances
- Easy access: Counterfeit pills are often sold through social media platforms or shared among friends
The National Institute on Drug Abuse emphasizes that many overdose victims had no intention of using fentanyl, and they thought they were taking something else entirely.
How New Jersey Schools Will Implement Drug Education
New Jersey schools will add fentanyl and xylazine education to their existing health classes following the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The implementation follows a structured approach designed to reach students at appropriate developmental levels.
Curriculum Development Process
The state education department works with health experts to create lessons that match scientific evidence and age-appropriate learning. Materials include videos, handouts, and digital resources that explain the risks of fentanyl and xylazine in language students can understand.
Teachers receive specialized training to handle sensitive topics related to substance use. This training covers trauma-informed approaches, which create safe classroom environments where students feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment. Training components include:
- Factual accuracy: Ensuring all information is medically correct and current
- Age-appropriate delivery: Adapting content for elementary, middle, and high school levels
- Crisis recognition: Identifying when students may need additional support or resources
Requirements and Timeline for Max’s Law Implementation
Max’s Law establishes specific requirements for how New Jersey public schools teach about fentanyl and xylazine. The legislation outlines content standards, delivery methods, and integration with existing curriculum.
| Requirement | Description
|
| Age-appropriate content | Lessons tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students |
| Scientific accuracy | All information is based on current medical and scientific research |
| Comprehensive coverage | Topics include risk recognition, prevention strategies, and help resources |
| Curriculum integration | New content fits within existing health education classes |
Schools have flexibility in how they deliver this education, but all programs must meet the core requirements established by the law. The New Jersey Department of Education provides guidance and resources to help districts develop their programs.
How Parents and Communities Can Support Max’s Law
Families and community organizations play important roles in reinforcing the education students receive through Max’s Law. Open communication and community involvement strengthen the impact of school-based prevention efforts.
Parents can reinforce school lessons by discussing fentanyl and xylazine risks with their children. These conversations work best when they focus on facts rather than fear-based messaging. Here are some effective conversation strategies:
- Ask what they know: Start by learning what your child already understands about these substances.
- Share accurate information: Use resources from schools, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or other organizations.
- Stay calm and open: Create an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions.
Local organizations, health departments, and treatment centers can support Max’s Law implementation through educational events and resource sharing. These partnerships help extend learning beyond the classroom.
Community support might include hosting informational sessions, providing guest speakers for schools, or distributing educational materials at local events. The goal is to create consistent messaging about fentanyl and xylazine risks across different settings where young people spend time.
Prevention Through Education and Support
Max’s Law represents New Jersey’s commitment to protecting young people through education about fentanyl and xylazine. The law emerged from the tragic loss of Max Lenowitz and aims to prevent similar tragedies by ensuring students have accurate information about these dangerous substances.
Education alone cannot solve substance use problems, but it provides an important foundation for prevention. When young people understand the real risks of counterfeit pills and know how to access help, they can make safer decisions for themselves and their friends.
At the Discovery Institute, we recognize that prevention education works best when combined with accessible addiction treatment programs for those who develop substance use disorders. Our comprehensive approach includes supporting community education efforts while providing evidence-based treatment for individuals and families affected by addiction.
Max’s Law FAQs
New Jersey’s Max’s Law requires education about fentanyl and xylazine, focusing on how these substances appear in counterfeit pills and the health risks they create.
New Jersey’s Max’s Law mandates drug education in schools, while Missouri’s Max’s Law increases penalties for harming police dogs, and Oregon’s Max’s Law addresses concussion management for student athletes.
Max’s Law focuses on prevention education, but schools implementing the curriculum are expected to include information about counseling services and treatment resources available to students who may need help.
Families can find resources through their school districts, the New Jersey Department of Education, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and local treatment centers like Discovery Institute.
At the Discovery Institute in Marlboro, NJ, we understand the importance of combining prevention education with accessible treatment options. If you or someone you know has questions about substance use or needs support, contact us to speak with a certified addiction counselor for a free evaluation and guidance on treatment options. Our team helps individuals and families throughout New Jersey find their path to recovery. Contact us today.
