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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rachel Hall

Animal tranquilliser found in cannabis vapes and illicit sedatives in UK

Close up of a man exhaling while vaping
Xylazine has been found in counterfeit prescription drugs such as codeine, alprazolam and diazepam tablets and vapes containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Photograph: Robert F Bukaty/AP

People buying cannabis vapes and illicit sedatives to treat pain, anxiety and insomnia risk unknowingly consuming a powerful animal tranquilliser that can cause skin ulcers and overdoses.

Xylazine has been prevalent in the US for several years, where it is commonly found mixed with strong opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl, and has caused thousands of deaths.

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