The bill amends the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" by granting the director of the department of health the authority to control substances listed in the most current version of Title 21 of the CFR, with the ability to add, reschedule, or delete substances. The director must consider various factors before making such decisions, and any objections or state-level changes must be filed with the secretary of state and posted on the department's website. The bill repeals sections of the General Laws that contained schedules I through V of controlled substances, removing the requirement for the director to control substances after a 60-day period following federal designation, rescheduling, or deletion, unless the director objects. It also outlines exemptions from registration, waiver of registration requirements, the need for separate registrations for different business locations, and inspection authority.

The bill proposes the deletion of a wide range of substances from the current law, including various fentanyl analogs, opiates, hallucinogens, depressants, amphetamines, and phencyclidine analogs. These deletions indicate a potential change in the regulation or classification of these substances. Additionally, the bill includes two insertions: Section 21-28-2.09, which exempts compounds containing counteragents, and Section 21-28-2.10, which exempts dextromethorphan from being included in any schedule unless controlled under the provisions of the article. The act is set to take effect on February 1, 2025, and aims to align the state's controlled substances laws with the most current federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
7446  SUB A: 21-28-2.1
7446: 21-28-2.1