Animal tranquilliser found in cannabis vapes and illicit sedatives in UK

Xylazine can cause skin ulcers and overdoses and has caused multiple deaths since 2022, warn researchers

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.