Health experts in the UK issue warnings as the dangerous animal sedative Xylazine is found in THC vapes, raising serious safety concerns

UK health officials have issued a stern warning to users of cannabis THC vapes after discovering traces of xylazine, a powerful sedative typically used on large animals, in some confiscated products. This revelation has sparked widespread concern about the safety of using these devices, commonly perceived as harmless.

Xylazine, known colloquially as the ‘zombie’ drug due to its potent effects, is designed to sedate animals such as cows and horses and can be deadly if consumed by humans. The discovery of this drug in THC vapes poses a severe risk not only to casual users but also to those who regularly use or inject strong drugs. 

This issue came to light through the work of Dr. Caroline Copeland and her team at King’s College London, who have been monitoring the emergence of new illicit drug products in the UK. Their research, which included analyzing results from drug seizures and consulting with toxicology laboratories across the country, found xylazine in two THC vape samples and several illicit tablets marketed as codeine and diazepam. These findings were recently published in the journal Addiction.

The presence of xylazine in these products is particularly alarming, given its severe health implications, which include respiratory depression, dangerously low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and potential for severe infection from wounds. Additionally, there is the risk of addiction and intense withdrawal symptoms.

The UK’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has recommended reclassifying xylazine as a Class C drug, aligning it with substances like laughing gas and anabolic steroids, which could lead to up to two years’ imprisonment for possession and up to 14 years for dealing.

The government has responded to these developments with a commitment to tackle the threat posed by xylazine and other synthetic drugs vigorously. Following the advisory council’s recommendations, plans are underway to officially categorize xylazine as a Class C substance.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by health and law enforcement agencies in keeping up with the evolving nature of the drug market. As new substances and methods of distribution emerge, authorities must remain vigilant to protect public health and safety.

Professor Sir John Strang, head of the addictions department at the King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of the illicit drug market. “We must stay alert to the changing dynamics within the drug market, as these changes often introduce new health risks and challenges,” he stated.