SYNTHETIC NARCOTICS: Enforcement and the Analogue Act
Transcript of SYNTHETIC NARCOTICS: Enforcement and the Analogue Act
SYNTHETIC NARCOTICS
Synthetic Cannabinoids and other man-made chemicals – K2, Synthetic Marijuana, Spice, Legal Herb
Synthetic Cathinones –
Bath Salts
False Marketing – Synthetic
Cannabinoids
“Potpourri”/“Incense”/“All Natural”
“Not for Human Consumption”
“Legal”
Does Not Contain – Lab Reports
Not For Human Consumption?
It has a fruity, minty flavor that is very pleasant and smooth.
…available in a variety of tasty flavors including green apple,
hydro, original, strawberry smash, blueberry bliss and
watermelon…makes a good starter blend for new and first-
time users. The potency makes it popular among serious and
recreational users as well.
Before you buy Scooby Snax Herbal Incense, note the
package disclaimer before using. It says that the product is a
potpourri not intended for any human consumption, and
that if you use it unlawfully, you do so at your own risk
Adverse Effects of
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Excited Delirium
Acute Kidney Injury
Seizures
Psychosis
Hallucinations
Cardiotoxic effects
Coma
Death – with some users dying before they could reach an ER
Trecki, Jordan, et al., 373 N. England M.J. 103, 106 (July 9, 2015)
EMILY BAUER
Teen narrowly escapes death after
smoking synthetic marijuana
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/04/health/synthetic-marijuana-irpt/
January 6: Day 28 – After her family ends life support on December 16, Emily survives
despite the odds, says her family. She is able to slightly move her arms and legs. She
recognizes her family’s voices and is able to speak, sometimes with difficulty, says her
stepfather.
ALEXANDRIA SHELTON
Her body was found near a drainage ditch in Girard Park after
midnight Sunday.
The 21-year-old Lafayette woman was a senior at Grambling
State University on track to graduate … with a degree in criminal
justice.
From The Advocate
4/14/2014 http://theadvocate.com/news/police/8903755-123/body-
found-in-park-identified
5/23/2014 http://theadvocate.com/news/acadiana/9256330-
123/family-not-satisfied-with-answers
ALEXANDRIA SHELTON
Autopsy report showed AB-CHMINACA in her system
AB-CHMINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid commonly
found in products labeled as “incense” or “potpourri”
AB-CHMINACA has been connected to 8 deaths (2 in
Louisiana) and thousands of cases involving Emergency Room
visits
Trecki, Jordan, et al., 373 N. England M.J. 103 - 107 (July 9, 2015)
ARE SYNTHETIC
CANNABINOIDS
ADDICTIVE
Yes, synthetic cannabinoids can be addictive.
Regular users trying to quit may have the
following withdrawal symptoms…
National Institute on Drug Abuse
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/dru
gfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids
Why are these addictive and
dangerous chemicals marketed
as “Legal”
Controlled Substances must identified and scheduled.
Emergency bans require “notice and comment”
The illicit market reacts quickly to replace the banned
substance with a new generation of chemicals
Congress’ Answer to the
Mousetrap Problem
Controlled Substance Analogue
Enforcement Act of 1986
States that a “controlled substance analogue”
is treated as a banned Schedule I controlled
substance to the extent that it is “intended for
human consumption”
What is a “Controlled Substance
Analogue”
"controlled substance analogue" means a substance—
(i) the chemical structure of which is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance in schedule I or II;
(ii) which has a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance in schedule I or II; or
(iii) with respect to a particular person, which such person represents or intends to have a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance in schedule I or II.