House passes bill adding 15 synthetic cannabinoid derivatives to state control (the 'spice' measure)

The Utah House on Jan. 26 passed HB23, aimed at reducing availability of synthetic cannabinoids commonly sold as 'spice.' Sponsor Representative Froehler said the Controlled Substance Advisory Committee, law‑enforcement representatives and public‑health researchers helped identify 15 derivatives to be controlled under the bill.

What HB23 does

The bill adds a list of derivatives to the state’s controlled‑substance framework, makes simple possession a Class B misdemeanor and sets manufacture or distribution at a third‑degree felony level. Representative Froehler said the committee intentionally did not place the chemicals into Schedules 1–5 so as not to impede legitimate medical research; the bill provides an explicit exception for licensed researchers conducting approved studies.

Concerns and enforcement

Members questioned how the bill addresses 'criminal creativity' — manufacturers altering molecules to evade lists. Representative Ivory asked whether the measure provides durable coverage against changing compounds; the sponsor and committee representatives acknowledged producers’ ability to change formulations and said the list will require periodic updates, but that naming currently prevalent derivatives removes many products from circulation immediately.

Support and vote

Representative Froehler said the bill was supported by the Controlled Substance Advisory Committee, the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, prosecutors’ associations and local law enforcement. The House passed HB23, 69–3, and forwarded it to the Senate.

Next steps and implementation

Law enforcement and prosecutors will enforce the new classifications; the sponsor indicated the Legislature can update the list in future sessions as new derivatives appear.