The bill amends the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" by granting the director of the department of health the authority to add, reschedule, or delete substances from the controlled substances list based on various factors such as abuse potential and scientific evidence. This amendment aligns the state's list of controlled substances with the most current version of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The director's decisions regarding these changes must be filed with the secretary of state and made public on the department's website. Additionally, the bill repeals specific sections of the General Laws that previously detailed schedules I through V of controlled substances, now deferring to the CFR for this information. It also specifies who is exempt from registration requirements for lawful possession of controlled substances and outlines the registration requirements for entities such as manufacturers and distributors.

The bill includes significant deletions of various substances from the controlled substances list, indicating a major shift in their legal status. These deletions encompass a wide range of drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl analogs, hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin, depressants affecting the central nervous system, and stimulants like Fenethylline. The bill also removes listings of synthetic cannabinoids, piperazines, and synthetic cathinones like mephedrone. Furthermore, it eliminates language pertaining to substances not approved by the FDA or not dispensed in accordance with the law, including vegetable-origin or chemically synthesized substances, opiates, and derivatives. The bill also introduces new legal language with two insertions: exemptions for compounds containing counteragents and for dextromethorphan, unless controlled under the article's provisions. The act is set to take effect on February 1, 2025, with the intent to reflect the most current federal regulations.

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