San Francisco
The surge in overdose deaths linked to the tranquilizer Xylazine has prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to propose new legislation, intensifying penalties for illicit uses of the drug. As part of the state’s strategy to combat the opioid and overdose epidemic, Newsom unveiled the legislation on Tuesday, designating Xylazine, colloquially known as tranq, as a controlled substance and subjecting illicit trafficking of the drug to heightened criminal penalties. Tranq poses a unique and devastating challenge in our fight against the overdose epidemic, stated the Governor in a released statement. In addition to the legislative proposal, Newsom announced several actions aimed at safeguarding patients from the potential harm of the drug. The California State Board of Pharmacy and the California Veterinary Medical Board issued an alert, emphasizing that Xylazine is subject to dangerous drugs laws. Pharmacy licensees must maintain records of dangerous drugs for at least three years. The California Department of Public Health sent a letter to all facilities in the state, informing clinicians about the emergence of Xylazine in the US illicit drug supply and providing guidance on actions to ensure patient safety. While California may not be experiencing Xylazine at the same rates as other parts of the country, Governor Newsom emphasized that the proposed legislation aims to proactively address the issue, curb dealers and traffickers, and concurrently provide treatment and resources for individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Xylazine, an animal sedative approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use, has infiltrated the illegal drug supply in the US and is associated with a rising number of overdose deaths. Although not an opioid itself, Xylazine can be life-threatening, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl. Health experts warn of catastrophic side effects, including severe skin lesions that may lead to amputations. Naloxone, the opioid reversal agent, is recommended in cases of suspected Xylazine overdose. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports a drastic increase in Xylazine-related deaths across the US, more than tripling from 2020 to 2021.
