This is the 2025 edition of the code. This is the current edition. Browse all editions.

§ 18.2-251.5 Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing xylazine; penalties

A. Any person who knowingly manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute the substance xylazine, when intended for human consumption, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

B. Any person who knowingly possesses the substance xylazine, when intended for human consumption, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Notwithstanding subsections A and B, it shall not be an offense to (i) manufacture xylazine for legitimate veterinary use; (ii) distribute or sell xylazine for authorized veterinary use; (iii) possess, administer, prescribe, or dispense xylazine in good faith for use by animals within the course of legitimate veterinary practice; or (iv) possess or administer xylazine pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

History

This law was first created in 2024. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 472 and 516 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.

2024, cc. 472, 516.

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