Contrary to the common perception of marijuana as a benign substance, evidence-based data reveal significant acute side effects that EMS providers must be prepared to recognize and manage. This report (aka "field guide") provides a detailed overview of cannabis-related emergencies and their prehospital management helping EMS leaders shape protocols and prepare crews for these emerging challenges.

Xylazine – also known by street names like “tranq” or “tranq dope” – is a veterinary sedative that has rapidly infiltrated the illicit drug supply in recent years. Unlike opioids, xylazine is not intended for human use, yet it’s being combined with fentanyl and other drugs, causing unprecedented challenges for emergency medical services (EMS). This report provides a comprehensive overview of xylazine and similar emerging non-opioid drugs tailored for EMS.