Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is cosponsoring the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), saying, "The fentanyl crisis is already devastating families across Arizona, and xylazine makes it even deadlier."
Xylazine, also known by its street name of "tranq," is a veterinary tranquilizer commonly used for cattle and horses. Despite being ruled unsafe for human use, the accessibility of xylazine means it is taken as a recreational drug.
Usage by humans is commonly associated with skin lesions that quickly turn necrotic, leading to xylazine gaining the nickname of the "zombie drug." Worse, the substance is often cut with the notoriously deadly fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
As a result, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would rule xylazine a Schedule III illicit substance as defined by the Controlled Substances Act, allowing the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to track its manufacture and prevent entry onto the black market.
However, protections for farmers, veterinarians, and ranchers using xylazine for its intended use of tranquilizing animals will be added through a clarified definition of "ultimate user," meaning someone legally possessing the substance for legitimate use.
In his press release, Sen. Gallego said, "The fentanyl crisis is already devastating families across Arizona, and xylazine makes it even deadlier. This bill is another step in our fight to keep dangerous drugs like tranq out of our communities."
The bill has received bipartisan support and backing from multiple organizations, including the American Medical Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Arizona Narcotics Officer's Association (ANOA).
Gallego's press release includes a statement from ANOA, which said, "ANOA fully supports this legislation to help combat drug abuse in our communities. The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association supports Senator Gallego's work in identifying xylazine as a threat to public health and giving law enforcement the tools to make communities safe."
