The New Jersey Senate has introduced a resolution urging the Department of Health to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers of xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that has emerged as a concerning street drug, also referred to as "Tranq" or "Zombie Drug." This substance, which is not approved for human use, has been linked to a rising number of overdose deaths in New Jersey and neighboring states. Xylazine acts as a central nervous system depressant, leading to severe health risks such as 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 associated with xylazine use, as traditional opioid overdose treatments like naloxone are ineffective against this drug. The Senate emphasizes the need for appropriate educational resources to inform New Jerseyans about the potential dangers of xylazine, especially given its increasing prevalence and the serious health threats it poses. The resolution aims to address the public health crisis surrounding xylazine and ensure that residents are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves from its harmful effects.