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HB 1109

Public Health - Medetomidine and Xylazine Consumer Protection Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse Pippy

Restricts sale of medetomidine and xylazine to purchasers 21+, requires proof of legitimate use, and keeps records to curb illicit human exposure.

Hearing 3/05 at 2:40 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1109

HB 1109 — Public Health — Medetomidine and Xylazine Consumer Protection Act

Sponsor/Context: Maryland (Delegate Pippy). Cross-file: SB 875. Referred to Health and Government Operations; hearing scheduled 3/05/2025. Bill text sets October 1, 2025 effective date.

Purpose / Intent

To reduce risks from medetomidine and xylazine entering the public (human) drug supply by restricting retail access, requiring verification of lawful/legitimate uses, and creating civil penalties for noncompliance. The bill responds to federal veterinary-only use restrictions and public health reports that these veterinary sedatives are appearing as adulterants (often with fentanyl) in illicit drugs and overdoses.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • “Medetomidine product” and “xylazine product”: any product containing any amount of those drugs.
    • “Retailer”: broadly defined to include manufacturers, wholesalers, corporations, partnerships, LLCs, firms, online platforms, or any business entity doing business in Maryland that sells, prepares, or advertises such products.

  • Purchase requirements

    • A retailer may not distribute, sell, or expose for sale a medetomidine or xylazine product unless the purchaser provides proof that the product will be used for an institutional, veterinary, or scientific purpose.

  • Minimum age

    • Retailers may not sell or display for sale these products to anyone under 21 years of age.

  • Recordkeeping

    • Retailers must keep records of all sales, including a copy of the identification used to verify age and each document or material used as proof of intended use.

  • Penalties and fund destination

    • Violation civil penalties: up to $3,000 for a first violation and up to $6,500 for each subsequent violation.
    • All civil penalties collected are to be remitted to the Comptroller and deposited in the Maryland Substance Abuse Fund.

  • Regulatory authority

    • Maryland Department of Health (MDH) must adopt regulations to implement the statute.

Who is affected

  • Retailers and sellers of medetomidine/xylazine products — including online platforms, manufacturers, and wholesalers — must implement age checks, verify intended use, and maintain documentation.
  • Consumers: sale restricted to purchasers 21+ and only for institutional, veterinary, or scientific uses.
  • MDH and enforcement agencies: required to promulgate implementing regulations and collect/remit penalties.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Fiscal note: anticipated minimal State fiscal impact. Civil penalties could increase revenues to the Maryland Substance Abuse Fund beginning FY2026, but amounts are not expected to be material. Enforcement costs depend on the regulations MDH adopts; analysts assume existing resources may suffice unless a more robust enforcement regime is required.
  • Small businesses: expected minimal but nonzero compliance costs (document retention, ID checks); subject to penalties for noncompliance.

Background

  • Federal rules limit medetomidine and xylazine to veterinary use (21 CFR citations). CDC has reported medetomidine and xylazine detections in illicit drug supplies and overdose cases, often with fentanyl. Neither drug is FDA‑approved for human use (xylazine approved only for veterinary use; medetomidine similarly veterinary; a related compound dexmedetomidine is approved for limited human sedative use).

If you want, I can prepare a one-page compliance checklist for retailers or draft suggested regulatory elements MDH could adopt to facilitate implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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