How a ‘Zombie Drug’ Crisis Exposes a U.S. Drug Law Failure

Jessie never injected xylazine. She only snorted it mixed with fentanyl in a combination known commonly in the drug world as “tranq.” It also goes by another name: the “zombie drug,” due to the waking blackout state it induces and the grotesque wounds users develop with repeated use. So despite not injecting the drug, her legs developed sores all the same.

“My whole body swelled up but my legs got the worst of it,” Jessie said. “It was so itchy.” When she scratched, her “skin would fall off with the scab” and her legs “looked necrotic.”

Xylazine is a common animal tranquilizer typically used on horses and other large livestock. However, in recent years, it’s been used to cut other drugs like fentanyl and heroin. This has created yet another hurdle that further complicates the fight against the opioid crisis and exposes a glaring gap in U.S. drug policy—with deadly consequences for some.

Read more at The Daily Beast.