Advice on Xylazine and 2-Methyl-AP-237
Published 19 June 2023
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From:
Rt Hon Chris Philp MP
Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire
2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
To:
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones
Chair, Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)
Professor Simon Thomas
Chair of NPS Committee ACMD
C/o 1st Floor
Peel Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
By email only ACMD@homeoffice.gov.uk
19 June 2023
Dear Owen and Simon,
Advice on the appropriate classification and scheduling of Xylazine and 2-Methyl-AP-237 under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (“the 1971 Act”) and associated Regulations.
I write to commission the ACMD to review the harms and consider control of two different substances, as set out below.
Xylazine
The National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths has reported the first death associated with xylazine in the UK (from May 2022). Xylazine, a UK-approved veterinary medicine for large animals, is not approved for use in humans by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency nor controlled under the 1971 Act. It is, however, likely to be subject to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).
In light of the first death associated with this drug in the UK and lessons from the current situation in the United States, it is imperative we are proactive in our assessment of its harms. Therefore, I would be grateful if the ACMD could provide advice on the potential harms of xylazine, including appropriate control under the 1971 Act, scheduling under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (“the 2001 Regulations”) and if appropriate, the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2015.
2-Methyl-AP-237
The 66th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took place between 13-17th March 2023. A key function of the CND is to vote on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations on the international control of drugs. Seven substances were added to the relevant schedules of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
Added to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol:
- 2-Methyl-AP-237 (Schedule I)
- Etazene (Schedule I)
- Etonitazepyne (Schedule I)
- Protonitazene (Schedule I)
Added to the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971:
- ADB-BUTINACA (Schedule II)
- Alpha PiHP (Schedule II)
- 3-Methylmethcathinone (Schedule II)
Of these, only 2-Methyl-AP-237 is not controlled under the 1971 Act and has not yet been reviewed by the ACMD. It should be noted, however, that it is likely subject to the 2016 Act. The remaining substances are either already controlled under the 1971 Act, or proposed for control, subject to Parliamentary approval, following advice previously provided by the ACMD.
I would therefore be grateful if the ACMD could provide advice on the appropriate domestic controls for 2-Methyl-AP-237 under the 1971 Act, the 2001 Regulations and if appropriate, the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2015. This should take into account that, to comply with our international obligations, the outcome of the CND vote requires increased domestic control of the aforementioned substance.
As ever, I am grateful for the continued expert advice provided by the ACMD.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Chris Philp MP
Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire