Fentanyl, cannabis or an 'orange': the viral video cocktail

Fentanyl, hierba or an 'orange': the theories behind the viral video

A video circulating on social media shows a young woman and a young man in a state of intoxication so severe they appear to be on the verge of collapse. The scene has unleashed a wave of speculation about what substance they may have consumed. The theories range from fentanyl — a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin and responsible for the US overdose crisis — to hierba, or even some drug that triggers a sudden sugar craving.

The fentanyl vs hierba debate

Those pointing to fentanyl highlight the extreme sedation and the body posture, similar to that of a heroin user after a dose. However, other observers argue that the behaviour is more consistent with hierba intoxication: muscle relaxation, a vacant stare and slow movements. A third, more pragmatic voice points out that few drugs cause a compulsive urge to consume sugar — a detail that would point to a specific substance, though without revealing which one.

The role of the environment and the risks

The video, reportedly filmed in a nightclub, reopens the debate about safety in nightlife venues. It is not uncommon for joints or spiked drinks to be left in other people's glasses, a dangerous practice that can lead to unintentional poisoning. The scene, with a young woman slumped on the ground and a boy staggering, has been described by some as a 'fatality', while others are directly calling for police intervention.

For now, no official source has identified the substance. The only certainty is that the combination of shocking images and scarce information has turned the video into a viral phenomenon fuelling all kinds of conjecture.