Title 18.2. Crimes and Offenses Generally
Chapter 7. Crimes Involving Health and Safety
§ 18.2-251.5. Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing xylazine; penalties. (2024 updated section)
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.