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Committee advances bill updating Idaho controlled-substances schedules to add synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and anabolic steroids
Summary
House Bill 29, which adds multiple synthetic substances to Idaho's controlled-substances schedules and places FDA-approved zuranolone in Schedule IV, was recommended to the Senate floor with a 'do pass' recommendation after a committee vote.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee recommended House Bill 29 to the full Senate with a "do pass" recommendation after the board-appointed presenter summarized annual scheduling updates to Idaho's controlled-substance law.
Nikki Chopsky, health professions bureau chief at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and executive officer for the boards of medicine, nursing and pharmacy, told the committee the bill reflects the board of pharmacy's annual review and would add multiple synthetic substances to Idaho's schedules under Idaho Code 37-2702(a).
Chopsky summarized the bill's major changes by drug class: 10 synthetic fentanyls proposed for Schedule I (opioid section); seven synthetic cannabinoids or THC-related substances proposed for Schedule I (hallucinogens list); five synthetic benzodiazepines proposed for Schedule I; two synthetic stimulants (commonly called "bath salts") proposed for Schedule I; 23 man-made testosterone derivatives proposed for Schedule III as anabolic steroids; and the addition of zuranolone (brand name Zurzuve) to Schedule IV as an FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression. Chopsky said there is no expected fiscal impact on the general or dedicated funds.
Chopsky explained Idaho reviews federal scheduling updates annually because the state does not simply incorporate the DEA list by reference. The Board of Pharmacy evaluates overdose reports, abuse potential, deaths, international use and other factors before recommending scheduling.
Formal action: Senator Wintrow moved to send House Bill 29 to the floor with a "do pass" recommendation; Senator Blaylock seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.
What it means: If enacted, HB 29 will bring Idaho's schedules into alignment with the substances identified by the Board of Pharmacy, enabling enforcement actions for the newly listed chemicals; the bill also places an FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression into Schedule IV.
