April 18, 2023 - Philadelphia, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply. Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen has submitted a notice of intent to temporarily add xylazine to the list of schedule III drugs under Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. Dr. Bogen will also submit a notice of intent to schedule nitazines, a class of synthetic opioids that have never been approved for use in the United States, as a schedule I drug. The notices will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Office of Attorney General will receive a copy of the notices and has 30 days to comment. "Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative that should never be ingested by humans and is compounding our fight against the opioid crisis - and today, my Administration is taking action to keep it out of our communities and protect Pennsylvanians. The steps we are taking today will help ensure this dangerous drug can't be diverted from legitimate sources to the drug dealers harming our communities, while preserving its important use on animals," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Xylazine has a real purpose for veterinarians, but is being abused by drug dealers and harming those suffering from substance use disorder. My Administration is committed to helping Pennsylvanians get the treatment they need, and we will work with our partners in law enforcement to get these drugs out of our communities and bring the drug dealers poisoning our communities to justice."Speakers Include:Governor ShapiroDDAP Acting Secretary Dr. Davis-JonesDOH Exec. Deputy Sec. Kristen RodackSen. TartaglioneCouncilwoman LozadaPhiladelphia Police Department First Deputy Commissioner John StanfordCommissioner Paris