A bill has passed the state house that would criminalize the use of an animal sedative that is becoming more prominent in the illegal drug supply.
Xylazine is a prescription sedative only approved for use in animals. But the drug, also known as tranq, is increasingly being found in mixtures of illicit drugs. Earlier this year, the Department of Health scheduled tranq as a Schedule III controlled substance.
The new bill would codify that decision in part by criminalizing the illicit possession of the drug, unless used for veterinary purposes.
The bill passed the house by a 169-34 vote.
