Pennsylvania temporarily schedules xylazine as controlled substance
Pennsylvania has temporarily scheduled the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine - commonly known as "tranq" - as a controlled substance. Acting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen submitted notice to add xylazine to the list of schedule III drugs. Xylazine contributed to 575 overdose deaths in 2021 - an increase of over 600% in just five years, the Pennsylvania Health Department said. "This action will protect veterinarians and other legitimate users and manufacturers of xylazine, which is an important medication for animal sedation, while also creating penalties for people who add illicit xylazine to the drug supply that is harming people in our communities," Bogen said, adding "Our focus remains on developing strategies that help connect people with substance use disorder to treatment and other resources." The action takes effect on June 3. The Health Department said its scheduling preserves the legitimate use of the drug by vets and farmers.
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