Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears unanimous support for scheduling xylazine as a controlled drug, with veterinarian carve‑out
Summary
SB465 would add xylazine to schedule 3 following rising detection of the veterinary sedative in seized fentanyl samples and reports of severe necrotic wounds and overdoses. Witnesses included public‑health advocates, veterinarians and farmers; testimony emphasized the need to preserve veterinarian access while enabling law enforcement to prosecute illicit distribution.
Representative Peter Bixby introduced SB465 on behalf of Senator Ganon. Supporters said xylazine has become a common adulterant in illicit fentanyl and heroin supplies and can complicate overdose response, reduce naloxone effectiveness and cause deep necrotic wounds. Public‑health advocates pointed to recent DEA statements and local coroner data showing xylazine’s spread in New Hampshire.
Veterinarians and the New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association told the committee the bill as amended preserves veterinarians’ ability to purchase, dispense and use xylazine for animals under the veterinary‑client‑patient relationship and prevents cost‑prohibitive recordkeeping requirements for clinicians who rely on the drug for routine large‑animal practice. "We use xylazine frequently in large‑animal calls to keep handlers and patients safe," said Dr. Katie Larson (NHVMA president).
Farm Bureau representatives supported the carve‑out language. Harm‑reduction and public‑health witnesses urged prompt state scheduling while federal action proceeds; several witnesses described cases of wounds and treatment challenges consistent with xylazine exposure. The committee heard no substantial opposition and closed the hearing after briefing from veterinary and public‑health stakeholders.
