The New Jersey Senate has introduced a resolution urging the Department of Health to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers associated with xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that has emerged as a concerning street drug, often referred to as "Tranq" or "Zombie Drug." This substance has been linked to a rising number of overdose deaths in New Jersey and neighboring states. As a central nervous system depressant, xylazine can lead to severe health issues, including drowsiness, amnesia, and dangerously low levels of breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The resolution highlights the alarming trend of xylazine being used in combination with other drugs, particularly illicit fentanyl, which exacerbates the risk of life-threatening overdoses.

The resolution calls for the New Jersey Department of Health to take proactive measures to educate the public about the risks of xylazine use, especially since naloxone, the standard treatment for opioid overdoses, is ineffective against xylazine. The Senate emphasizes the need for appropriate educational resources to inform New Jerseyans about the potential dangers of this drug, which has been associated with various health complications, including skin ulcers and abscesses. The resolution aims to address the public health threat posed by xylazine and ensure that residents are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves from its harmful effects.