People using cannabis vapes in UK at risk from 'zombie' drug, warn experts
Vapes
People smoking cannabis THC vapes in the United Kingdom are at risk from a dangerous "zombie" drug, warn experts.
The warning comes after confiscated products showed traces of Xylazine, a strong sedative capable of taking down big animals like cows and horses.
Recent history of Xylazine
In the US, Xylazine has emerged as an epidemic of sorts, with reports of overdose deaths. The drug was even declared an emerging threat by the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy. In July 2023, a National Response Plan was released to address the emerging threat of fentanyl mixed with Xylazine.
In the UK, there has been at least one Xylazine-relateddeath. Amid fears that its misuse could grow, experts have warned that it even puts those who inject or take strong drugs at risk.
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Researchers fromKing's College London, as per a BBC report, have found that new types of illicit xylazine products are now entering the UK market.
Their findings have been published in the journal Addiction.
Researchers found traces of the drug in codeine and diazepam, or Valium being sold in the market.
To gather evidence, the team of researchers last year contacted all toxicology laboratories in the UK. They also analysed drug-testing results from hauls seized by law enforcement.
As per BBC, they found Xylazine in only two THC vapes and a small number of illegally sold pills out of tens of thousands of products. However, they pointed out that although small, the findings were concerning.
What Xylazine does to the human body
As per a National Institutes of Health-led study, Xylazine, which is not approved for use in humans, can worsen the life-threatening effects of opioids.
When used in combination with opioids like fentanyl and heroine, "xylazine may damage the ability of the brain to get enough oxygen, which is one of the most dangerous effects of opioid drugs and can lead to death." The drug isknown to cause sedation and dangerously slow down breathingand heart rate, andlower blood pressure in humans.
(With inputs from agencies)