ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 82

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 13, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 82.

     This resolution urges the Department of Health to take appropriate steps to inform the public of the dangers to individuals who use xylazine as a recreational drug. 

     A new street drug, xylazine, also known as “Tranq” and “Zombie Drug” has created a growing concern in the State.  The drug is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness and amnesia as well as depress breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels.  Xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths in humans in New Jersey and surrounding states. 

      Xylazine or xylazine-containing drugs are ingested by injecting, snorting, swallowing, or inhaling.  Repeated xylazine use is also associated with skin ulcers, abscesses, and complications.  People who are exposed to xylazine, knowingly or unknowingly, use it in combination with other drugs, particularly illicit fentanyl.  Xylazine containing fentanyl is used to lengthen the veterinary tranquilizer’s euphoric effects.  Overdose deaths linked to both xylazine and fentanyl also involved other substances, including cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines, alcohol, gabapentin, methadone, and prescription opioids.  Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone, a medication used for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, is ineffective as an antidote for individuals who are suffering from a xylazine overdose.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.