The UK faces a health crisis as deadly animal tranquillisers have been detected in cannabis vapes and illicit drugs, prompting urgent action. Here’s the full story.
Increased Risk
It has long been argued that the criminalisation of drugs has increased risks for the very people who use those drugs.
Dangerous Combination
This dangerous combination has led to public health emergencies like the AIDS epidemic, which was shared not only through sexual contact but also through people with an addiction to sharing needles, which were hard to obtain and impossible to keep clean.
Deadly Trend
The latest manifestation of this deadly trend has been discovered by researchers who have found the presence of xylazine, a potent animal tranquiliser, in cannabis vapes and other illicit sedatives which circulate amongst users in the UK.
Severe Health Implications
Many who use street-bought cannabis vapes or other sedatives do so to treat pain or undiagnosed mental health issues, and this latest hidden threat has emerged alongside warnings to those who use such drugs of the severe health implications.
Growing Health Threat
This latest revelation has shed light on an underground but rapidly growing public health threat that has tragically claimed multiple lives since 2022.
Deadly Combination
Xylazine, the use of which was widespread in the United States before being discovered in the United Kingdom, is notorious for its deadly combination with opioids like heroin and fentanyl, which has contributed to thousands of fatalities.
Alarming Threat
Its emergence now poses a new and alarming threat for both casual drug users and people with an addiction alike, which could fundamentally alter the drug landscape of the UK, the same way fentanyl has done in the US.
THC Vapes
Unlike in America, where xylazine has been more frequently found mixed with heroin, xylazine in the UK is infiltrating counterfeit prescription drugs such as codeine, alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium), along with THC-laden cannabis vapes.
Addiction Research
Research conducted by King’s College London, as published in the Addiction journal, highlights the escalating presence of xylazine in the UK.
11 Deaths
After reviewing evidence from toxicology laboratories across the country, the study identified xylazine in 16 individuals. In 11 of those cases, tragically, the ingestion of xylazine, whether intended or not, was fatal.
“Cause for Alarm”
Dr Caroline Copeland, senior author of the study, told the Guardian, “This is cause for alarm as a much wider population of people who use drugs beyond heroin users will be exposed to its harms.”
Increased Risk of Overdose
She continued, “We also know that most people who buy heroin will not intend to buy xylazine and this combination increases the risk of overdose. Xylazine was designated an ‘emerging threat’ to the United States and this public health threat is a growing concern for the UK.”
Amplifying Risk
In the majority of confirmed deaths, xylazine was found in conjunction with potent opioids, amplifying the risk of fatal overdose. However, the absence of opioids in some cases suggests the consumption of xylazine through illicit sedatives or THC-containing vapes.
Hard to Find
Confoundingly for the researchers, xylazine does not linger long in the body after it is ingested, which can make it hard to find when toxicological analysis is done on the bodies after death. This has complicated the assessment of its spread through the UK, with Dr Copeland suggesting that the actual number of deaths is likely considerably higher than reported.
Veterinary Drug
Xylazine was initially intended for use by veterinarians and has potent pain relieving, muscle relaxant and sedative effects.
Disastrous Effects
However, its consumption by humans can lead to perilously reduced heart and breathing rates. Not only that, but direct injection of the xylazine can result in debilitating skin ulcers, potentially necessitating limb amputation if infected.
Potential Epidemic
To avert a potential epidemic of harm related to the spread of xylazine, Dr Copeland has advocated for proactive measures, including mandatory toxicology testing to ascertain the prevalence of the drug.
20 Fold Increase in Deaths
Without such measures, the UK could be looking down the barrel of a 20-fold increase in deaths related to the drug, which is what happened in the US.
Failure of Punitive Drug Laws
Dr Adam Holland, a co-author of the study, stressed that punitive drug laws have failed and called instead for the introduction of measures aimed at harm reduction rather than punishment.
Dr Holland stated, “We need to expand the range of harm reduction interventions available for people who use drugs, including drug checking and overdose prevention centres, to give them the opportunities they need to stay safe.”
Looming Danger
In response to the looming danger posed by xylazine, the government spokesperson doubled down on the approach that Dr Holland emphasised has failed, stating, “We are aware of the threat from xylazine and are determined to protect people from the threat posed by this drug and other illicit synthetic drugs.
No Hesitation
They continued, “We will not hesitate to act to keep the public safe. Following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, we intend to make xylazine a class C drug meaning anyone supplying this substance will face up to 14 years in prison, a fine or both.”
Inherent Danger
The infiltration of xylazine into the UK’s drug market shows the inherent danger in having drugs treated as a criminal offence rather than as a medical emergency, which has led to a situation where lives are put in danger for distributors to make more money while governments look tough on crime.
Uncertain Future
However, it remains to be seen whether the rising calls for change in the UK’s drug policies will affect lawmakers.
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The post Deadly Vet Drug Uncovered in UK Cannabis Vapes first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.