London, United Kingdom – A new warning has emerged regarding the dangers of consuming cannabis vapes and illicit sedatives in the UK. Researchers have highlighted the risk of unknowingly ingesting xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer that can lead to skin ulcers and overdoses, with several reported deaths since 2022.
Studies from King’s College London have revealed a concerning increase in the presence of xylazine in the UK, resulting in multiple fatalities starting from 2022 when the first death was identified. Unlike in the US where xylazine is commonly mixed with opioids like heroin or fentanyl, in the UK, it has been found in counterfeit prescription drugs and vape products containing THC.
Dr. Caroline Copeland, the senior author of the study, expressed alarm at the broader exposure of xylazine to drug users beyond those using heroin. The combination of xylazine with other substances significantly raises the risk of overdose, making it a growing public health concern in the UK.
The research, published in the Addiction journal, analyzed data from toxicology laboratories across the UK, confirming xylazine’s presence in 16 individuals, of whom 11 had succumbed to its effects. The study revealed that in most cases where xylazine was found, it was combined with a strong opioid, emphasizing the heightened risk of overdose.
Furthermore, xylazine, a non-opioid sedative and painkiller used in veterinary practice, can have severe consequences when consumed by humans. The substance can lead to dangerously low heart and breathing rates, potentially causing large open skin ulcers if injected directly into the bloodstream.
To prevent an epidemic of xylazine-related deaths, researchers have recommended increased testing to determine the true prevalence of the drug and the implementation of harm reduction strategies. The emergence of xylazine comes on the heels of the spread of nitazenes, another synthetic drug linked to a series of fatalities among heroin users.
In response to the growing threat posed by xylazine and other illicit substances, the UK government has announced plans to reclassify xylazine as a class C drug. This move will result in harsh penalties for those found supplying the substance, including up to 14 years in prison or substantial fines.
The findings of the study underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the rise of dangerous substances in the illicit drug market and protect public health. Researchers emphasize the importance of adopting harm reduction interventions, such as drug checking and overdose prevention centers, to ensure the safety of individuals using drugs.