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Committee backs ban on commercial sale of tineptine, citing public‑health harms
Summary
AB 634 would prohibit manufacture, distribution or sale of products containing tineptine (described by witnesses as 'gas station heroin'); supporters emphasized danger to young people and unregulated retail sales, while ACLU and drug‑policy groups raised civil‑liberties and enforcement concerns. Committee advanced the bill (vote recorded 11‑0).
The Senate health committee advanced AB 634, a bill to prohibit commercial activities involving tineptine — a substance witnesses described as producing opioid‑like highs and risks when sold over the counter.
Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales told the committee the measure targets products marketed to consumers, often sold at gas stations and small retailers, and that amendments narrowed the scope to commercial activities only. "This will prevent Californians from being exposed to tineptine, a dangerous substance dubbed gas station heroin," the author said.
Law‑enforcement and public‑health witnesses supported the measure. Ryan Sherman, representing the California Narcotics Officers Association, said other states have acted and asked the committee for an I vote. Public‑health and county health groups, the California District Attorneys Association and medical groups also registered support.
Civil‑liberties and drug‑policy groups registered opposition; the ACLU and the Drug Policy Alliance appeared to caution about enforcement and civil‑justice consequences. The committee discussion focused on narrowing the bill to commercial conduct and on balancing public safety with enforcement priorities.
The committee placed the measure on call and later recorded a favorable vote (11‑0). The bill will move to the next referred committee.
