Video: Former Florida AG Ashley Moody warns about dangerous “zombie drugs.”
TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida has filed to reclassify xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance, Attorney General James Usmier announced Wednesday.
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer known by the streets “Tranq”, “Tranq Dope” and “Zombie Drug.” It has been appearing more and more throughout the United States in recent years, with state and federal officials warning of the dangers of drugs when used in recreational conditions.
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Veterinary medicine considers xylazine to be a safe and effective sedative method of cows, horses, zoo animals and other wildlife. Veterinarians often administer medications for medical evaluation, treatment, or surgical procedures.
The state has exempted veterinarians from use, allowing veterinarians, farmers and ranchers to continue access to the medicine, according to the Attorney General.
“Farmers and ranchers in Florida rely on veterinarians who have the tools they need to treat their livestock safely,” Usmeyer said. “By providing xylazine exemptions for this limited purpose, we protect legal veterinary access while protecting this dangerous substance from the hands of drug dealers and abusers.”
Officials said that when used in recreational applications, the drug becomes dangerous, especially when mixed with other drugs such as fentanyl and heroin. According to the DEA, it has an opioid-like effect, but overdose inverters like Narcan do not treat xylazine overdose.
In 2023, the DEA reported seizing a potentially lethal xylazine fentanyl mixture in almost all conditions. Ashley Moody, then Florida Attorney General, said Sarasota had the third-largest increase in xylazine deaths in the state.
According to Moody, the nickname “zombie drug” comes from a side effect where people sometimes develop “rotten skin lesions” and risk having to amputate their limbs.
Under the new classification, only licensed veterinarians can obtain and distribute xylazine. Farmers and ranchers can also receive prescriptions through veterinarians to care for their livestock.
Public sale or possession of drugs remains illegal, and misuse other than veterinary care is a crime. The Attorney General’s Office says that strengthening scheduling will allow law enforcement to track distribution and strive to exclude drugs from illegal markets.
“Drug abuse is not a victimless crime. It takes away children, hurts our economy, and doesn’t put Floridians free,” said Wilton Simpson, Florida’s agricultural commissioner. “I support Attorney General Usmeyer’s rules because I target abuse while protecting legal use under veterinary care, which is important to Florida ranchers and farmers.”
