Senate Passes Bills to Combat Synthetic Drug Abues

The New York State Senate today passed a package of bills to prevent the abuse of deadly synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs have increased in popularity because their effects are similar to known hallucinogens or narcotics but their chemical structures are slightly altered so restrictions against illegal substances can be evaded.

“The spread of synthetic drugs is affecting every community and will continue to destroy lives unless more preventive action is taken. It is past time for the Assembly to join us and help put an end to synthetic drugs today.” said Senator Bonacic.

The bills the Senate acted upon today to eradicate the sale of K2 and other synthetic drugs, include:

• Senator Flanagan’s S2836C adds the current list of known synthetic cannabinoids to the Schedule I list and creates criminal penalties for possession and sale;
• Senator Funke’s S4743 adds Alpha-PVP, known as “flakka” or “gravel,” to the public health law Schedule I of controlled substances;
• Senator Klein’s S1640A amends the Controlled Substances Act to add to the Schedule any analogous drugs;
• Senator Klein’s S6040A imposes civil penalties on businesses that sell synthetic cannabinoids. On the third violation, a business would lose its state licenses to sell lottery tickets, alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco products for five years; and
• Senator Valesky’s S6496 requires the Department of Health to maintain an electronic database of known synthetic cannabinoids, listing their compounds, a description of products and their street names.

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.