The bill, S.B. No. 1867, proposes amendments to the Texas Controlled Substances Act by adding a variety of new substances to Penalty Group 2. This includes numerous hallucinogenic compounds, synthetic cannabinoids, and other psychoactive substances. Notably, the bill introduces specific chemical names and trade names for these substances, such as 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB), 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl) indole (JWH-018), and various tetrahydrocannabinols, among others. Additionally, the bill modifies the existing language regarding tetrahydrocannabinols by replacing the phrase "or" with "delta-5, cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers;" and adds multiple new tetrahydrocannabinol variants and their derivatives.
The changes outlined in the bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses that occurred prior to this date will be governed by the previous law, ensuring that individuals are not retroactively penalized under the new regulations. This legislative update aims to address the evolving landscape of controlled substances and enhance public safety by regulating newly identified drugs.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Health and Safety Code 481.103 (Health and Safety Code 481)