In a recent meeting of the California Assembly Public Safety Committee, lawmakers discussed a significant bill aimed at addressing the growing concern over the drug Xylazine, often referred to as the "zombie drug." This legislation seeks to classify Xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance, which would limit its availability to the public while allowing its use in veterinary medicine.

Senator Susan Ashby, who presented the bill, highlighted the alarming rise in Xylazine-related deaths in California, noting that the drug has become increasingly prevalent in the state. Xylazine, typically used as a sedative for large animals, has been mixed with fentanyl, creating a dangerous cocktail that poses severe risks to users. Unlike other opioids, Xylazine is resistant to Narcan, complicating emergency responses to overdoses.

The bill aims to create a framework for controlling Xylazine's distribution, making it harder for individuals to access the drug for illicit use. Senator Ashby emphasized the importance of this measure as part of a broader strategy to combat the opioid crisis, stating that while no single bill can solve the issue, it is a necessary step in the right direction.

Support for the bill came from various stakeholders, including veterinarians and advocates for drug-related death prevention. Dr. Grant Miller, representing the California Veterinary Medical Association, spoke about the legitimate uses of Xylazine in veterinary care and expressed support for measures that would prevent its diversion for illegal use.

However, the bill faced opposition from several advocacy groups, including the Drug Policy Alliance and the ACLU, who argued that criminalizing substances like Xylazine does not effectively address the underlying issues of addiction and may lead to increased incarceration rates among vulnerable populations. Critics pointed to past experiences with drug scheduling, suggesting that such measures often fail to reduce drug availability and can complicate research efforts.

The committee members expressed a range of opinions, with some acknowledging the need for regulation while also voicing concerns about the potential for increased criminalization of drug users. The discussion highlighted the ongoing struggle to balance public safety with compassionate approaches to addiction treatment.

As the committee deliberates on the bill, the outcomes could have significant implications for both public health and the legal landscape surrounding drug use in California. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure that the legislation effectively addresses the complexities of drug use and addiction in the community.