The bill aims to combat the illicit use of xylazine, a substance with potential for abuse. It amends the Controlled Substances Act to include xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance, defining its usage and regulation. The bill introduces requirements for practitioners, manufacturers, and facilities concerning the handling and distribution of xylazine. It instructs the Sentencing Commission to review and adjust penalties for xylazine-related offenses. Additionally, the bill demands reports on the prevalence of illicit xylazine use and trafficking. Overall, the bill seeks to increase oversight and control of xylazine to address its unlawful use and potential risks to public health and safety.
Combating Illicit Xylazine Act
This bill regulates xylazine under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Xylazine, also known as tranq, is a nonopioid sedative and pain reliever that is approved for use in animals. Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported an increase in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.
This bill adds xylazine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, to schedule III of the CSA. Schedule III controlled substances, including anabolic steroids, buprenorphine, and ketamine, have less potential for abuse than a schedule I or II substance, have a currently accepted medical use, and have low or moderate risk of dependence if abused.
Under the bill, manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing xylazine, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense xylazine for illicit use is subject to criminal penalties under the CSA. The bill also requires xylazine transactions to be tracked in the drug reporting system maintained by the DEA.
The bill exempts from registration under the CSA persons and entities that possess xylazine (1) lawfully dispensed by a veterinarian or pharmacy and (2) for an animal or for use in certain animal-control or wildlife programs.
The bill also exempts xylazine manufacturers from the CSA's physical security requirements.
Finally, the bill requires the DEA, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, to report on (1) the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use in the United States, and (2) updated information on the prevalence and proliferation of xylazine trafficking and misuse in the United States.
