Governor Signs Griffo Bill Banning “N-Bomb” Synthetic Drug

ALBANY – State Senator Joseph Griffo and State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein applauded the Governor on Tuesday for signing into law their legislation that bans the highly dangerous synthetic drug known as “N-Bomb.”

N-Bomb – also known as “Smiles” or 25i-NBOMe – first surfaced in 2013, and has been linked to the overdose deaths of at least 17 people nationwide. This law (A627A/S738) will now ban several of the key ingredients contained in this designer drug, which mimics the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, Griffo said.

Targeted toward teenagers, this potentially deadly psychedelic drug continues to rise in popularity because it is easily accessible. But because N-Bomb is chemically manufactured, its potency varies widely which increases the risk of overdose when someone uses a greater amount of N-Bomb than they had intended. As such, it is difficult to predict how someone may react to the substances, with some harrowing side effects including seizures, psychotic episodes, loss of consciousness and bleeding from the brain.

By banning N-Bomb’s key ingredients, this a similar strategy that helped nearly obliterate the frenzy of psychotic episodes and life emergencies that reached epidemic proportions in Central New York and beyond in 2012 when the synthetic drug known as “bath salts” was allowed to reach widespread use.

Senator Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, said: “No community should ever have to endure the kind of tragedy and havoc that can occur when the unpredictable effects of synthetic drugs are allowed to infiltrate our neighborhoods. Our unfortunate experience with bath salts several years ago taught us how important aggressive action is in getting this scourge under control, so I am glad this legislation will help us be proactive in preventing a similar synthetic drug crisis from happening again.”

Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, D-Bayside, said: “Just as our 2011 legislation banning bath salts helped to prevent an epidemic in New York, this law permanently bans these dangerous chemicals before the problem becomes widespread in our State. These dangerous substances are being marketed throughout the country, and the result is the same as bath salts – damaging effects to the user and potentially dangerous consequences for our communities.”

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said: “One of the biggest challenges for law enforcement in the battle against man-made drugs is that drug manufacturers are constantly changing ingredients to stay ahead of the law. But as these manufacturers try to develop new alternatives to already-illegal drugs, this new law will help police go after the true criminals who are on a mission to take advantage of our adolescents and those most susceptible to substance abuse.”     

The drug is produced either as a liquid or powder, or as tabs on blotter paper.

Cassandra Sheets – Licensed Master Social Worker and CEO of Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) Inc. in Utica – is pleased to hear that the Governor signed into law the bipartisan synthetic N-Bomb bill sponsored by Sen. Griffo and Assemblyman Braunstein.

Sheets said: “Synthetic drugs are typically packaged using bright colors and designs that attract the attention of young people, adding to their danger. CFLR, Inc. Prevention Staff members work diligently to educate youth and parents about the threats of drugs. This law is another step in keeping our community safe.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration added the chemicals used to manufacture N-Bomb to its permanent list of controlled substances as a Schedule I drug on November 15, 2013. This law adds these chemicals to the state’s banned substances list.

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