As part of the state’s multi-pronged plan to address the opioid and overdose epidemic, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced proposed new legislation to increase penalties for the illicit trafficking of the drug xylazine, also known as “tranq.” Xylazine – an animal tranquilizer with no approved human use – is increasingly being found in the illicit drug supply, and has been linked to rising overdose deaths across the country.