‘Zombie drug’ found in cannabis vapes

Xylazine, also known as ‘tranq dope’, had already been linked to one death in the UK but researchers have now identified ten more linked to the substance.

In most cases it is mixed with strong opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, but it has also been detected in fake prescription tablets, THC vapes and cocaine.

The drug can cause a dangerously low heartrate and compromise users’ airways, and may also cause large open skin ulcers which can rot and lead to limb amputation.

Dr. Caroline Copeland, senior author of a new study published in the journal Addiction, said: ‘We now know that xylazine has penetrated the UK’s illicit drug market.

‘This is cause for alarm as a much wider population of people who use drugs beyond heroin users will be exposed to its harms.

‘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.’

Researchers, led by academics from King’s College London, gathered evidence from toxicology labs across the UK as well as seizures by law enforcement agencies.

Despite the overall numbers being relatively low – two THC vapes and a small amount of pills among tens of thousands – the experts warned the findings are still worrying.

Dr. Copeland told BBC News: ‘People may not realise what they are actually buying. They think they are getting a THC vape – but it could contain much more than they expect.

‘It’s really alarming.’

The researchers found 35 cases of xylazine across England, Scotland and Wales by the end of August last year. No cases were found in Northern Ireland.

They published data on 16 biological samples taken from toxicology labs, where the drug was found in 16 people – including 11 people who had died. (METRO)

The post ‘Zombie drug’ found in cannabis vapes appeared first on DailyNews.