BILL NUMBER:  S658

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the public health law, in relation
to classifying U-47700, more commonly known as "Pink," as a schedule I
opiate

 PURPOSE :

This bill adds U-4770, commonly known as "Pink", as a schedule opiate
controlled drug, criminalizing possession and sale of the drug.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1: amends subdivision (b) of schedule I of section 3306 of the
public health law by adding a new paragraph 56.

Section 2: sets the effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

While New York has recently passed legislation addressing the opiate
epidemic, synthetic opiate drugs also remain a problem. These drugs
often infiltrate communities, causing public health problems.
Recently, a new synthetic opiate, U-47700, commonly referred to as
"Pink", has spread in popularity across the United States. "Pink" is
reportedly eight times more powerful than heroin; a dose is available
              

for purchase over the internet for as little as $5; and is so
dangerous that merely touching the drug with bare skin is dangerous to
humans.* As of October 2016, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has
identified 15 deaths nationwide attributed to using "Pink", however
the agency believes this number is probably higher.* While the DEA has
already started the process to classify "Pink" as a controlled
substance, New York has not yet done so, meaning the purchase and sale
of the drug is not yet prohibited under state law.

This bill would classify the synthetic drug U-47700, known as "Pink",
as a schedule I opiate. By classifying "Pink" as a schedule I opiate,
possession and sale of the drug will be criminalized under New York
law, helping to stop the spread of "Pink" across our state and
potentially harming or killing New Yorkers.

*http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/americas-heroin-epidemic/pinkstronge
rheroin-legal-most-states-n666446

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2016: S.8206 Referred to Rules

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.