Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to approve a law that will make it illegal to misuse the strong animal tranquilizer xylazine, which is appearing in illegal drug supplies and contributing to an increasing number of human overdose deaths, his office announced on Wednesday.
Xylazine, which is currently being mixed with fentanyl and other illegal opioids, will still be allowed for legitimate use by veterinarians.
The bill It was approved by the state House of Representatives and the Senate in the last week.
According to the bill, Xylazine will be categorized as a “schedule III” drug under Pennsylvania’s controlled substance law, formalizing an order that Shapiro issued last year when Pennsylvania joined a group of states that were working to restrict access to Xylazine.
Xylazine is a sedative medication prescribed by veterinarians to safely manage and treat farm animals, wildlife, zoo animals, and household pets like cats and dogs.
Authorities state that the pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing drug, sometimes referred to as “tranq,” is frequently misused by being added to fentanyl and heroin. It was found in 3,000 U.S. drug deaths in 2021, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
The unauthorized use of schedule III drugs is punishable by up to five years in prison. The law would mandate that the drug be securely stored when used professionally to prevent theft or unauthorized access.
Last year, federal officials identified xylazine-laced fentanyl as an “emerging threat” and introduced a plan to increase testing, treatment, and efforts to stop illegal shipments of xylazine.
Xylazine, sometimes referred to as tranq, can lead to dangerously low breathing and heart rates when used in humans. When injected, it can cause large open wounds and infections, sometimes resulting in amputation.
