Controlled substances: xylazine.

Senator Ashby's legislation to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance in California addresses the increasing presence of this veterinary sedative in illicit drug supplies. The bill adds xylazine and its related compounds to the state's Schedule III list while maintaining access for legitimate veterinary uses.

The legislation creates an exception allowing veterinarians to compound animal drugs containing xylazine when FDA-approved versions are unavailable in California, provided they follow federal guidance on compounding from bulk substances. This provision aims to preserve xylazine's therapeutic value in veterinary medicine while implementing controls on its distribution and use.

The bill also modifies drug paraphernalia regulations by exempting testing equipment used to detect xylazine contamination from existing restrictions. This change aligns xylazine testing equipment with current exemptions for tools that identify other substances like fentanyl and ketamine. Under the amended code, businesses selling drug paraphernalia must maintain separate areas restricted to adults and display appropriate signage, with violations potentially resulting in license revocation rather than criminal penalties.

These provisions reflect the bill's dual focus on controlling xylazine's illicit use while preserving its legitimate veterinary applications. The legislation establishes a regulatory framework that places xylazine under the same level of control as other Schedule III substances while including specific provisions for its continued use in animal medicine.