Xylazine classified as Schedule III drug in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pennslyvania (WKBN) — Xylazine, a strong animal tranquilizer commonly referred to as “tranq,” is now classified as a Schedule III Drug in Pennsylvania under the Controlled Substances Act.

The sedative received its new classification as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1661 into law May 15. The drug is approved for animal use but has been increasingly found in the state’s street drug supply.

“By signing this bill into law today, we are sending a powerful message to drug dealers that we will not let you continue to peddle this poison in our communities,” Shapiro stated. “This bill helps to ensure xylazine isn’t diverted from legitimate sources to drug dealers, and still allows for important veterinary use on animals.”

A schedule classification requires practitioners to be licensed and authorized to receive the controlled substance from manufacturers and distributors. It also ensures more regulation in delivery and storage, which minimizes theft and allows for more accurate recordkeeping.

HB 1661 sponsored by Republican Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar and amended by Republican Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., was approved in the House and Senate with bipartisan support earlier in May.

“The driver behind this legislation stemmed from Somerset County being the location for one of the first cases involving recreational xylazine usage,” Metzgar stated. “The person used it on a baby changing station at a convenience store. Illicit xylazine usage is a serious public health concern, not only to the user but also innocent bystanders.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, xylazine contributed to 1,135 overdose deaths across 51 Pennsylvania counties in 2023, a dramatic increase from 51 overdose deaths recorded in 2018.

When used by humans, xylazine may result in skin ulcers, decaying tissue and bacterial infections that can result in amputation. The drug is often used in combination with other drugs to lengthen euphoric effects, such as illicit fentanyl.

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