London, UK – The rise of xylazine in illicit drugs like cannabis vapes and sedatives in the UK has raised concerns among researchers about potential health risks. Contrary to the US, where xylazine is frequently mixed with powerful opioids, its presence in the UK market has been steadily increasing since 2022, leading to several deaths, according to a study from King’s College London.
Researchers have found that individuals seeking relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia by purchasing cannabis vapes and counterfeit prescription drugs in the UK may unknowingly ingest xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer. The combination of xylazine with opioids like heroin and fentanyl poses a significant overdose risk, as highlighted by Dr. Caroline Copeland, the senior author of the study.
The Addiction journal published findings based on evidence from toxicology laboratories in the UK, revealing that 16 individuals tested positive for xylazine, with 11 of them succumbing to its effects. The prevalence of xylazine, a non-opioid substance used in veterinary medicine, in counterfeit drugs and vapes raises concerns about the growing health threat in the UK.
Dr. Copeland emphasized the urgent need for measures to address the emerging threat of xylazine use. The increasing adulteration of drugs and associated deaths suggest that current punitive drug laws may not be effectively deterring illegal drug activities. Dr. Adam Holland, a co-author of the study, urged for the expansion of harm reduction interventions, including drug checking and overdose prevention centers, to protect individuals who use drugs.
In response to these alarming findings, the UK government is taking steps to address the threat posed by xylazine and other illicit synthetic drugs. Plans are underway to reclassify xylazine as a class C drug, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison or fines for those involved in its distribution. The government’s spokesperson reiterated the commitment to safeguarding public health and reiterated the importance of proactive measures to combat the growing risks associated with xylazine use.
The emergence of xylazine in the UK drug market follows the spread of nitazenes, synthetic drugs linked to a series of recent deaths among heroin users. The deadly consequences of drug adulteration underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable populations from inadvertent exposure to harmful substances. Measures such as mandatory toxicology testing for xylazine and enhanced harm reduction initiatives are essential to mitigate the escalating dangers posed by illicit drugs in the UK.