According to a report by BBC on April 10th, British experts have warned that individuals who use Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) e-cigarettes may inhale a highly dangerous substance known as "zombie drug" (xylazine). The key concern is that this sedative is primarily used to induce sleep in large animals such as cows and horses, and can be deadly for humans.
So far, the black market "zombie drug" has most commonly been mixed with powerful opioids such as heroin or fentanyl.
Dr. Caroline Copeland of King's College London has reported that a new type of illegal "zombie drug" is entering the UK market. Their research has found that some pills being sold as codeine and diazepam, or Valium, also contain this "zombie drug.
The UK government has classified this drug as a Class C substance, alongside laughing gas, anabolic steroids, and benzodiazepines. This means that possession of this drug could result in a two-year prison sentence, while trafficking it could lead to a 14-year sentence.
According to reports, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and e-cigarettes containing THC are illegal in the UK. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another component of the cannabis plant, but it does not cause a high, and CBD oil (including e-cigarettes) is legally sold in the UK.
Experts say that people may not realize what they are actually buying; they may think they are purchasing an e-cigarette containing THC, but in reality, it may contain unexpectedly more substances.
A government spokesperson stated, "We are aware of the threat of 'zombie drugs' and are determined to protect the public from the dangers of this drug and other illicit synthetic drugs. In line with the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, we plan to classify 'zombie drugs' as Class C drugs."
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