Classifies xylazine as Schedule III controlled dangerous substance under certain circumstances.
By listing xylazine as a Schedule III CDS, the bill introduces standard criminal penalties for illegal manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, possession, and use of the substance. Such penalties include imprisonment from three to five years and fines up to $25,000 for distribution and similar offenses, and up to $35,000 for possession. Enhanced penalties will apply for offenses occurring near schools or involving minors or pregnant individuals, reflecting a strong legislative intent to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers associated with xylazine misuse.
Assembly Bill A5448 seeks to classify xylazine, a drug commonly used as an animal sedative, as a Schedule III controlled dangerous substance (CDS) under certain conditions. This classification aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of xylazine, particularly in the context of its increasing presence in illegal street drugs, particularly opioids. As xylazine has not been approved for human use, its usage in a non-veterinary context raises significant public health concerns.
Opposition to the bill may arise from concerns regarding its implications for those who may inadvertently consume xylazine-laced drugs, as it does not act as an opioid and does not respond to typical opioid antidotes. Critics might argue this could lead to increased risks of overdose fatalities without offering adequate remedies for those affected. However, proponents assert that this bill is a necessary step toward mitigating the risk posed by xylazine's growing presence in the illicit drug market, thereby safeguarding public health.