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May 19, 2026 1:00 pm ET
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction CATIE

Medetomidine in Canada’s unregulated drug supply

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Presented in partnership with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

This webinar examines the increasing presence of medetomidine in the unregulated drug supply and the challenges it presents to people who use drugs and service providers. Participants gain an overview of the impacts of medetomidine in Canada and explore implications for frontline service providers responding to the drug toxicity crisis.

Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly being detected alongside fentanyl in the unregulated drug supply in parts of Canada. Similar to xylazine, but significantly more potent and longer-acting, it is associated with added complexities in overdose response and withdrawal management.

Moderator: Magnus Nowell, CATIE

Speakers:

  • Samantha King, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
  • Dr. Monty Ghosh, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta
  • Sammy Iammarino, BC Centre for Disease Control
  • Cat Duval, CACTUS Montreal
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