The bill amends the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" by introducing a new section that grants the director of the department of health the authority to control substances listed in the most current version of Title 21 of the CFR and to add, reschedule, or delete substances as controlled substances. The director must consider various factors such as potential for abuse, scientific evidence, and public health risk before making a decision. The bill eliminates the previous 60-day waiting period after federal action to control a substance and repeals sections 21-28-2.8, 21-28-2.9, and 21-28-2.10, which contained the controlled substances schedules. It also specifies who is exempt from registration requirements and outlines the registration requirements for entities that can lawfully possess controlled substances.

The bill includes the deletion of a wide range of substances from the current law, indicating a potential reclassification or deregulation of these substances. Deleted substances include various fentanyl analogs, hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin, amphetamines, and depressants. The bill also removes language prohibiting substances not approved by the FDA or not dispensed in accordance with state and federal law, including synthetic cathinones and natural and synthetic opiates. Additionally, the bill proposes the deletion of immediate precursors to PCP and amphetamines, as well as substances from Schedules III and IV, including anabolic steroids and benzodiazepines. The bill introduces two insertions exempting certain compounds and dextromethorphan from being included in any schedule unless controlled under the article's provisions. The act is set to take effect on February 1, 2025, and aims to align state controlled substances laws with current federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
2820  SUB A: 21-28-2.1
2820: 21-28-2.1