H.R. 7970: Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous Nitazenes Act

This bill, known as the Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous Nitazenes Act or the STOP Nitazenes Act, seeks to change the legal status of certain drugs known as nitazenes, which are a type of opioid. Specifically, the bill proposes the following actions:

1. Classification of Nitazenes

The bill will permanently classify nitazenes, scientifically referred to as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that these substances have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. The key points include:

• Any material or compound containing any quantity of a 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioid, including their variations and derivatives, will be banned unless exempted.
• A list of specific substances will be included, such as etonitazene, clonitazene, and metonitazene, which are identified as having properties typically associated with opioids.
• The Attorney General will have the authority to publish additional substances that meet the classification criteria in the Federal Register.

2. Permanent Scheduling of Previously Temporary Substances

Any nitazenes that were temporarily categorized under previous regulations will be transitioned to this permanent status immediately upon the bill's enactment. This means they will be fully regulated as Schedule I substances from that date forward.

3. Rulemaking Authority

The bill grants the Attorney General a timeframe of up to one year to create and implement rules that will enforce the new classifications and requirements established by this legislation. The process includes:

• The ability to issue these rules as interim final rules, which can take effect immediately without needing to show cause.
• An obligation to provide opportunities for public comment and hearings on these interim rules.
• Following the public comment period, the Attorney General will finalize the rules to ensure compliance with the new law.

4. Purpose of the Bill

The overarching intention of this legislation is to enhance the government's ability to control and restrict access to potent opioids that pose significant risks of addiction and misuse, thereby addressing public health concerns associated with the opioid crisis.

Relevant Companies

None found.