Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Controlled Substances Scheduling topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee gives House Bill 29 a due-pass recommendation, updates state controlled substances schedules
Summary
House Bill 29, which updates Idaho’s controlled-substances schedules to add synthetic fentanyls, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, stimulants and anabolic steroids and to list the FDA-approved postpartum depression drug zuranolone in schedule 4, was sent to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Bill 29 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The bill updates the Idaho Uniform Controlled Substances Act by adding several synthetic illicit substances and additional anabolic steroids to state schedules, and by listing the new FDA-approved postpartum depression drug zuranolone (brand name Zurzuve) in schedule 4.
Nikki Chopsky, health professions bureau chief at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and executive officer for the state boards of medicine, nursing and pharmacy, told the committee the annual bill reflects the Board of Pharmacy’s review of federal scheduling and of specific substances that have emerged as public-health risks. Chopsky said the bill proposes adding 10 synthetic fentanyl-type substances to schedule 1, seven synthetic cannabinoids to schedule 1, five synthetic benzodiazepines to schedule 1, two synthetic stimulants to schedule 1, 23 anabolic steroid derivatives to schedule 3, and zuranolone to schedule 4.
Chopsky explained Idaho is one of 12 states that does not automatically incorporate federal DEA scheduling by reference, so the legislature reviews and adopts scheduling updates annually. She said the board considers overdose reports, abuse potential, international use and other factors when recommending state schedules. Committee members asked for clarification about the anabolic steroids; Chopsky said those substances were already in schedule 3 and the bill adds 23 additional derivatives not previously listed.
Senator Wintrow moved to send House Bill 29 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Chopsky told the committee no fiscal impact to the general fund or the board’s dedicated fund was expected and respectfully requested a due-pass recommendation.
