Tougher Penalties for Fentanyl-Related Substances to Combat Overdoses.
This law aims to fight the opioid crisis by automatically classifying all chemically similar substances to fentanyl as illegal Schedule I controlled substances. This means that possessing, manufacturing, or trafficking these dangerous new derivatives will be subject to the strictest federal penalties. The change allows law enforcement to prosecute those introducing new, deadly fentanyl variants more quickly.
Key points
All chemically modified versions of fentanyl (analogues) are automatically added to the list of the most dangerous, illegal drugs (Schedule I).
Placing these substances on Schedule I means their production and distribution are subject to the harshest federal prison sentences.
The change is designed to allow faster response to the emergence of new, deadly fentanyl derivatives on the streets.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_600
Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI]
Process start date: 2023-03-01