This bill amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in Nebraska to prohibit kratom, defining it as any product containing parts of the leaf of the mitragyna speciosa plant that includes the alkaloids mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, as well as any synthetic materials containing these alkaloids. The bill also repeals original sections of the law that are being amended and introduces a new definition for "lookalike substance," which outlines specific characteristics related to marketing, packaging, and the implied effects of the substance on human health. This aims to enhance the regulation of substances that may pose risks to public health and safety.

Additionally, the bill expands the list of controlled substances to include various synthetic compounds and their derivatives, particularly those structurally related to known substances, such as different forms of tetrahydrocannabinol and other complex chemical structures not approved for human consumption by the FDA. It clarifies the classification of narcotics and psychoactive drugs, including specific hallucinogenic substances and their derivatives, while establishing regulations for ephedrine and its derivatives. The bill also repeals original sections 28-401 and 28-405 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to incorporate these changes into the law, reflecting a proactive approach to drug regulation in response to emerging substances and their potential health risks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-401, 28-405