This bill amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in Nebraska to classify kratom as a controlled substance, providing a specific definition that includes any product containing parts of the mitragyna speciosa plant with the alkaloids mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, as well as any synthetic materials containing these alkaloids. The bill also repeals previous definitions, including the term "lookalike substance," and introduces a new definition for kratom to clarify its legal status. Additionally, it amends Section 28-405 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to expand the list of Schedule I controlled substances, including a broad range of synthetic opioids and hallucinogenic substances, thereby enhancing regulatory oversight.

Moreover, the bill introduces new legal language to encompass various synthetic compounds and their derivatives that share similar chemical structures and pharmacological activities with known substances. It specifies that cannabidiol in FDA-approved drug products is excluded from this classification. The bill also establishes stricter regulations for ephedrine and its derivatives, detailing storage, sale, and purchase limits, while introducing new regulations for Schedule V substances. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding controlled substances, addressing public health concerns related to drug abuse and the emergence of synthetic drugs.

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