South Dakota lawmakers look to ban 'Zombie Drug' xylazine for human consumption

PIERRE — A popular sedative used for horses and cows is one step closer to being banned for human consumption.

Xylazine, which was determined to be an emerging drug threat in April by the White House, is used by veterinarians and farriers to provide a humane course of treatment for large farm and ranching animals. But more recently, xylazine has been used in the drug market and can be typically mixed with fentanyl.

HB 1028 lists xylazine as a controlled substance in the state but creates an exception for veterinarians and farriers, who shoe horses, and use the drug for animal treatment.

South Dakota Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt told the House Committee on Health and Human Services on Tuesday that the state lab had found xylazine once in a drug test in February.

“A year ago, I had never heard of xylazine.. Since then, I’ve learned a lot,” Magstadt said. “Unfortunately, evil doers take what was meant for good and have added this to illicit drugs. Here’s my philosophy: If drug cartels can’t kill you with opioids, they’ll add fentanyl. If they can’t kill you with fentanyl, they’ll add xylazine.”

She added narcan, a drug used to reverse fentanyl overdoses, is unable to reverse a xylazine overdose.

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Attorney General Marty Jackley, who partnered with Magstadt on supporting the bill, added xylazine was a serious matter because of what it can do to the human body.

The drug, also known as the “zombie drug,” can cause dead tissue build up and if not treated immediately, can result in the amputation of limbs, according to The New York Times. Because of its nature, xylazine slows the heart and can further increase chances for a fatal overdose. It has been found in drug supplies across 36 states and Washington D.C. since 2022.

Jackley explained if a person is caught using xylazine for human consumption, the penalty would be a felony with up to two years in the state prison. This is in accordance with the Schedule III controlled substance law.

HB 1028 passed with full support in committee and now heads to the House of Representatives for a full vote.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: 'Zombie Drug' could be banned for human consumption in South Dakota