DOCSLIB.ORG

Federal Register/Vol. 85, No. 167/Thursday, August 27, 2020

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Federal Register/Vol. 85, No. 167/Thursday, August 27, 2020 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 167 / Thursday, August 27, 2020 / Proposed Rules 52935 BIS does not seek to expand DATES: Comments must be submitted Drug Enforcement Administration, Attn: jurisdiction over technologies that are electronically or postmarked on or DEA Federal Register Representative/ not currently subject to the EAR, such before September 28, 2020. DPW, 8701 Morrissette Drive, as ‘‘fundamental research’’ described in Interested persons may file written Springfield, Virginia 22152. § 734.8 of the EAR. comments on this proposal in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BIS will review public comments accordance with 21 CFR 1308.43(g). Scott A. Brinks, Regulatory Drafting and submitted in response to this ANPRM to Commenters should be aware that the Policy Support Section, Diversion help inform BIS and its interagency electronic Federal Docket Management Control Division, Drug Enforcement partners’ efforts to identify, reevaluate System will not accept comments after Administration; Mailing Address: 8701 and subsequently control foundational 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the last day Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia technologies. This interagency process of the comment period. 22152; Telephone: (571) 362–8209. is expected to result in rules and Interested persons may file a request SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: comment periods with new control for a hearing or waiver of hearing levels for items currently controlled for pursuant to 21 CFR 1308.44 and in Posting of Public Comments AT reasons on the CCL or new ECCNs accordance with 21 CFR 1316.45 and/or Please note that all comments on the CCL for technologies currently 1316.47, as applicable. Requests for a received in response to this docket are classified as EAR99. hearing and waivers of an opportunity considered part of the public record. OMB has determined that this action for a hearing or to participate in a They will, unless reasonable cause is is significant under Executive Order hearing must be received on or before given, be made available by the Drug 12866. September 28, 2020. Enforcement Administration (DEA) for Submission of Comments ADDRESSES: To ensure proper handling public inspection online at http:// of comments, please reference ‘‘Docket www.regulations.gov. Such information Comments should be submitted to BIS No. DEA–482’’ on all electronic and includes personal identifying as described in the ADDRESSES section of written correspondence, including any information (such as your name, this ANPRM by October 26, 2020. attachments. address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by Matthew S. Borman, • Electronic comments: The Drug the commenter. The Freedom of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Administration (DEA) Information Act (FOIA) applies to all Administration. encourages that all comments be comments received. If you want to [FR Doc. 2020–18910 Filed 8–26–20; 8:45 am] submitted electronically through the submit personal identifying information Federal eRulemaking Portal which (such as your name, address, etc.) as BILLING CODE 3510–33–P provides the ability to type short part of your comment, but do not want comments directly into the comment it to be made publicly available, you field on the web page or attach a file for must include the phrase ‘‘PERSONAL DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE lengthier comments. Please go to http:// IDENTIFYING INFORMATION’’ in the Drug Enforcement Administration www.regulations.gov and follow the first paragraph of your comment. You online instructions at that site for must also place all of the personal 21 CFR Part 1308 submitting comments. Upon completion identifying information you do not want of your submission you will receive a made publicly available in the first [Docket No. DEA–482] Comment Tracking Number for your paragraph of your comment and identify comment. Please be aware that what information you want redacted. Schedules of Controlled Substances: submitted comments are not If you want to submit confidential Placement of N-Ethylpentylone in instantaneously available for public business information as part of your Schedule I view on Regulations.gov. If you have comment, but do not want it to be made AGENCY: Drug Enforcement received a Comment Tracking Number, publicly available, you must include the Administration, Department of Justice. your comment has been successfully phrase ‘‘CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. submitted and there is no need to INFORMATION’’ in the first paragraph resubmit the same comment. of your comment. You must also SUMMARY: The Drug Enforcement • Paper comments: Paper comments prominently identify the confidential Administration proposes placing 1-(1,3- that duplicate the electronic submission business information to be redacted benzodioxol-5-yl)-2- are not necessary. Should you wish to within the comment. (ethylamino)pentan-1-one (N- mail a paper comment, in lieu of an Comments containing personal ethylpentylone, ephylone) and its electronic comment, it should be sent identifying information or confidential optical, positional, and geometric via regular or express mail to: Drug business information identified as isomers, salts, and salts of isomers Enforcement Administration, Attn: DEA directed above will be made publicly whenever the existence of such salts, Federal Register Representative/DPW, available in redacted form. If a comment isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, has so much confidential business in schedule I of the Controlled Virginia 22152. information that it cannot be effectively Substances Act. If finalized, this action • Hearing requests: All requests for a redacted, all or part of that comment would make permanent the existing hearing and waivers of participation may not be made publicly available. regulatory controls and administrative, must be sent to: Drug Enforcement Comments posted to http:// civil, and criminal sanctions applicable Administration, Attn: Administrator, www.regulations.gov may include any to schedule I controlled substances on 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, personal identifying information (such persons who handle (manufacture, Virginia 22152. All requests for hearing as name, address, and phone number) distribute, reverse distribute, import, and waivers of participation should also included in the text of your electronic export, engage in research, conduct be sent to: (1) Drug Enforcement submission that is not identified as instructional activities or chemical Administration, Attn: Hearing Clerk/ directed above as confidential. analysis, or possess), or propose to ALJ, 8701 Morrissette Drive, An electronic copy of this document handle N-ethylpentylone. Springfield, Virginia 22152; and (2) and supplemental information to this VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Aug 26, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\27AUP1.SGM 27AUP1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 52936 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 167 / Thursday, August 27, 2020 / Proposed Rules proposed rule are available at http:// who handles or proposes to handle N- medical evidence, on July 15, 2020, the www.regulations.gov for easy reference. ethylpentylone. Assistant Secretary submitted to the Acting Administrator HHS’s scientific Request for Hearing or Waiver of Background and medical evaluations for this Participation in Hearing On August 31, 2018, DEA published substance. Upon receipt of the scientific Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 811(a), this an order in the Federal Register and medical evaluation and scheduling action is a formal rulemaking ‘‘on the amending 21 CFR 1308.11(h) to recommendation from HHS, DEA record after opportunity for a hearing.’’ temporarily place 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5- reviewed the documents and all other Such proceedings are conducted yl)-2-(ethylamino)pentan-1-one (N- relevant data, and conducted its own pursuant to the provisions of the ethylpentylone, ephylone) in schedule I eight-factor analysis of the abuse Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. of the CSA pursuant to the temporary potential of N-ethylpentylone in 551–559. 21 CFR 1308.41–1308.45; 21 scheduling provisions of 21 U.S.C. accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(c). CFR part 1316, subpart D. Interested 811(h). 83 FR 44474. That temporary persons may file requests for hearing or scheduling order was effective on the Proposed Determination To Schedule notices of intent to participate in a date of publication, and was based on N-Ethylpentylone hearing in conformity with the findings by the former Acting As discussed in the background requirements of 21 CFR 1308.44(a) or Administrator of DEA that the section, the Acting Administrator is (b), and include a statement of interest temporary scheduling of this synthetic initiating proceedings, pursuant to 21 in the proceeding and the objections or cathinone was necessary to avoid an U.S.C. 811(a)(1), to add N- issues, if any, concerning which the imminent hazard to the public safety ethylpentylone permanently to schedule person desires to be heard. Any pursuant to section 811(h)(1). Section I. DEA has reviewed the scientific and interested person may file a waiver of an 811(h)(2) provides that the temporary medical evaluation and scheduling opportunity for a hearing or to control of this substance expire two recommendation, received from HHS, participate in a hearing together with a years from the effective date of the and all other relevant data and written statement regarding the scheduling order, which was August 31, conducted its own eight-factor analysis interested person’s position on the 2020. However, this same provision also of the abuse potential of N- matters of fact and law involved in any provides that, during the pendency of ethylpentylone pursuant to 21 U.S.C. hearing as set forth in 21 CFR proceedings under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1) 811(c). Included below is a brief 1308.44(c). for the permanent scheduling of the summary of each factor as analyzed by All requests for a hearing and waivers substance, the temporary scheduling of HHS and DEA, and as considered by of participation must be sent to DEA that substance can be extended for up to DEA in its proposed scheduling action.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Application of High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Screening and Confirmation of Novel Psychoactive Substances Joshua Zolton Seither [email protected]
    Florida International University FIU Digital Commons FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations University Graduate School 4-25-2018 Application of High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Screening and Confirmation of Novel Psychoactive Substances Joshua Zolton Seither [email protected] DOI: 10.25148/etd.FIDC006565 Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd Part of the Chemistry Commons Recommended Citation Seither, Joshua Zolton, "Application of High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Screening and Confirmation of Novel Psychoactive Substances" (2018). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3823. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3823 This work is brought to you for free and open access by the University Graduate School at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Miami, Florida APPLICATION OF HIGH RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR THE SCREENING AND CONFIRMATION OF NOVEL PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in CHEMISTRY by Joshua Zolton Seither 2018 To: Dean Michael R. Heithaus College of Arts, Sciences and Education This dissertation, written by Joshua Zolton Seither, and entitled Application of High- Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Screening and Confirmation of Novel Psychoactive Substances, having been approved in respect to style and intellectual content, is referred to you for judgment. We have read this dissertation and recommend that it be approved. _______________________________________ Piero Gardinali _______________________________________ Bruce McCord _______________________________________ DeEtta Mills _______________________________________ Stanislaw Wnuk _______________________________________ Anthony DeCaprio, Major Professor Date of Defense: April 25, 2018 The dissertation of Joshua Zolton Seither is approved.
    [Show full text]
  • Written Witness Statement for U.S. Sentencing Commission's Public
    STATEMENT OF TERRENCE L. BOOS, PH.D. SECTION CHIEF DRUG AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION SECTION DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION and CASSANDRA PRIOLEAU, PH.D. DRUG SCIENCE SPECIALIST DRUG AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION SECTION DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION - - - BEFORE THE UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION - - - HEARING ON SENTENCING POLICY FOR SYNTHETIC DRUGS - - - OCTOBER 4, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. 1 Introduction New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are substances trafficked as alternatives to well- studied controlled substances of abuse. NPS have demonstrated adverse health effects such as paranoia, psychosis, and seizures to name a few. Cathinones, cannabinoids, and fentanyl-related substances are the most common NPS drug classes encountered on the illicit drug market, all with negative consequences for the user to include serious injury and death. Our early experience saw substances being introduced from past research efforts in an attempt to evade controls. This has evolved to NPS manufacturers structurally altering substances at a rapid pace with unknown outcomes to targeting specific user populations. These substances represent an unprecedented level of diversity and consequences. Due to clandestine manufacture and unscrupulous trafficking, the user is at great risk. A misconception exists that these substances carry a lower risk of harm In reality, published reports from law enforcement, emergency room physicians and scientists, accompanied with autopsies from medical examiners, have clearly demonstrated the harmful and potentially deadly consequences of using synthetic cathinones. These substances are introduced in an attempt to circumvent drug controls and the recent flood of NPS remains a challenge for law enforcement and public health. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported over 700 NPS encountered.1 The manufacturers and traffickers make minor changes in the chemical structure of known substances of abuse and maintain the pharmacological effect.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix-2Final.Pdf 663.7 KB
    North West ‘Through the Gate Substance Misuse Services’ Drug Testing Project Appendix 2 – Analytical methodologies Overview Urine samples were analysed using three methodologies. The first methodology (General Screen) was designed to cover a wide range of analytes (drugs) and was used for all analytes other than the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). The analyte coverage included a broad range of commonly prescribed drugs including over the counter medications, commonly misused drugs and metabolites of many of the compounds too. This approach provided a very powerful drug screening tool to investigate drug use/misuse before and whilst in prison. The second methodology (SCRA Screen) was specifically designed for SCRAs and targets only those compounds. This was a very sensitive methodology with a method capability of sub 100pg/ml for over 600 SCRAs and their metabolites. Both methodologies utilised full scan high resolution accurate mass LCMS technologies that allowed a non-targeted approach to data acquisition and the ability to retrospectively review data. The non-targeted approach to data acquisition effectively means that the analyte coverage of the data acquisition was unlimited. The only limiting factors were related to the chemical nature of the analyte being looked for. The analyte must extract in the sample preparation process; it must chromatograph and it must ionise under the conditions used by the mass spectrometer interface. The final limiting factor was presence in the data processing database. The subsequent study of negative MDT samples across the North West and London and the South East used a GCMS methodology for anabolic steroids in addition to the General and SCRA screens.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 83, No. 170/Friday, August 31, 2018/Rules
    44474 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 170 / Friday, August 31, 2018 / Rules and Regulations readily visible part of the outside of the in their place the words ‘‘floating of isomers in schedule I. This action is floating cabin. cabin’’. based on a finding by the Acting * * * * * ■ 10. Amend § 1304.412 by: Administrator that the placement of N- (c) A floating cabin moored at a ■ a. Adding in alphabetical order ethylpentylone in schedule I of the location approved pursuant to the definitions for ‘‘Existing floating cabin’’ Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is regulations in this subpart shall not be and ‘‘New floating cabin’’; necessary to avoid an imminent hazard relocated and moored at a different ■ b. Removing the definition of to the public safety. As a result of this location without prior approval by TVA, ‘‘Nonnavigable houseboat’’; and order, the regulatory controls and except for movement to a new location ■ c. Adding in alphabetical order administrative, civil, and criminal within the designated harbor limits of definitions for ‘‘Rebuilding’’ and sanctions applicable to schedule I the same commercial dock or marina. ‘‘Tennessee River System’’. controlled substances will be imposed The additions read as follows: on persons who handle (manufacture, § 1304.103 [Removed and Reserved] distribute, reverse distribute, import, ■ 7. Remove and reserve § 1304.103. § 1304.412 Definitions. export, engage in research, conduct ■ 8. Amend § 1304.204 by revising * * * * * instructional activities or chemical paragraphs (a), (b), and (n) to read as Existing floating cabin means a analysis, or possess), or propose to follows: floating cabin that was located or handle N-ethylpentylone. moored on the Tennessee River System DATES: This temporary scheduling order § 1304.204 Docks, piers, and boathouses.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Stability of Synthetic Cathinones in Forensic Toxicology Samples Author(S): Sarah Kerrigan, Ph.D., Lindsay Glicksberg, B.S
    NCJRS OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS ~ N ATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFERENCE SERVICE QJA BJS N/J OJJ[l> OVC SMART ",iiiii~ The author(s) shown below used Federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to prepare the following resource: Document Title: Long-Term Stability of Synthetic Cathinones in Forensic Toxicology Samples Author(s): Sarah Kerrigan, Ph.D., Lindsay Glicksberg, B.S. Document Number: 251194 Date Received: October 2017 Award Number: 2013-R2-CX-K006 This resource has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice. This resource is being made publically available through the Office of Justice Programs’ National Criminal Justice Reference Service. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Contents Abstract........................................................................................................................................... 4 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 6 I. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 10 Statement of the Problem ........................................................................................................ 10 Literature Citations and Review ................................................................................................ 11 Use and
    [Show full text]
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Subchapter 9 Regulated Drug Rule 1.0 Authority
    Chapter 8 – Alcohol and Drug Abuse Subchapter 9 Regulated Drug Rule 1.0 Authority This rule is established under the authority of 18 V.S.A. §§ 4201 and 4202 which authorizes the Vermont Board of Health to designate regulated drugs for the protection of public health and safety. 2.0 Purpose This rule designates drugs and other chemical substances that are illegal or judged to be potentially fatal or harmful for human consumption unless prescribed and dispensed by a professional licensed to prescribe or dispense them, and used in accordance with the prescription. The rule restricts the possession of certain drugs above a specified quantity. The rule also establishes benchmark unlawful dosages for certain drugs to provide a baseline for use by prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties for possession of higher quantities of the drug in accordance with multipliers found at 18 V.S.A. § 4234. 3.0 Definitions 3.1 “Analog” means one of a group of chemical components similar in structure but different with respect to elemental composition. It can differ in one or more atoms, functional groups or substructures, which are replaced with other atoms, groups or substructures. 3.2 “Benchmark Unlawful Dosage” means the quantity of a drug commonly consumed over a twenty-four hour period for any therapeutic purpose, as established by the manufacturer of the drug. Benchmark Unlawful dosage is not a medical or pharmacologic concept with any implication for medical practice. Instead, it is a legal concept established only for the purpose of calculating penalties for improper sale, possession, or dispensing of drugs pursuant to 18 V.S.A.
    [Show full text]
  • And Synthetic Cathinones in Urine Using Solid Phase Micro-Extraction
    Analytical Methods View Article Online PAPER View Journal | View Issue Determination of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) and synthetic cathinones in urine using solid Cite this: Anal. Methods,2018,10,1431 phase micro-extraction fibre tips and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry Khalid A. Alsenedi *a and Calum Morrison *b In recent years, an increasing number of stimulant drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have caused concern in scientific communities and therefore innovative methods to extract compounds from complex biological samples are required. This work is aimed at developing and validating a clean, convenient and straightforward extraction procedure with microliter amounts of organic solvent using Solid Phase Micro-Extraction tips (SPME tips) and analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in human urine samples. Another aim is to evaluate three different types of SPME fibre tips C18, C18-SCX (mixed mode) and PDMS-DVB. The quantification method examined the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. different classes of stimulant compounds included Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATSs) (amphetamine, methamphetamine, para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), and (Æ)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)) and synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, buphedrine (buphedrone ephedrine metabolite), 4- methylephedrine (mephedrone metabolite), and pentylone). The method was developed with respect to several areas of the experimental design including pH, ionic strength, addition of salts, vial dimensions, analytes and derivatisation, type of solvents, solvent volume, extraction and desorption time, agitation speeds in the extraction and desorption steps and matrix volume. The optimised method was validated for eight compounds using the SPME PDMS/DVB fibre tips with satisfactory linearity and selectivity À1 This article is licensed under a ranging between 50 and 2000 ng mL , and limits of detection (LODs) and low limits of quantification (LLOQs) ranging between (5–25) and (25–100) ng mLÀ1 respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Stimulant Analytical Standards
    Stimulant Analytical Standards Stimulants belong to a diverse group of psychoactive drugs whose function exerts a constant contribution to hyperactivity and impulse control. Illegal stimulant derivatives including amphetamines, arylcyclohexylamines, cathinones, cocaine/tropanes, phenethylamines, and piperazines are among the most widely abused across the US and Europe. However, the popularity of each substance, particularly in party culture settings, is frequently changing. Cayman offers more than 700 analytical standards for the identification of stimulants and is dedicated to working with the forensic community to quickly make reference standards available for new psychoactive substances (NPS). A library of mass spectral data containing many of Cayman’s emerging stimulant standards is freely available for download at www.caymanchem.com/CSL. More than 700 Stimulant Standards Available for · Amphetamines · Indanes · Arylcyclohexylamines · Phenethylamines · Cathinones · Piperazines · Cocaine & Tropanes · And More Tools to Rapidly Screen for Major Controlled Stimulants Cocaine/Heroin/Methamphetamine Mixture (CRM) Item No. 9002662 A CRM mixture of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine (1 mg/ml of each) GC-MS Drug Standard Mixture 4 Item No. 24632 A mixture of common stimulants, opioids, and Representative chromatogram of the compounds steroids as well as a synthetic cannabinoid and a included in the GC-MS Drug Standard Mixture 4 benzodiazepine (250 μg/ml of each) Peak order from left to right: α-Pyrrolidinobutiophenone, α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone,
    [Show full text]
  • New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
    New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) LGC Quality Reference ISO 9001 ISO/IEC 17025 ISO Guide 34 materials GMP/GLP ISO 13485 2019 ISO/IEC 17043 Science for a safer world LGC offers the most extensive and up-to-date range of New LGC is a global leader in Psychoactive Substances (NPS) measurement standards, reference materials. reference materials, laboratory services and proficiency testing. With 2,600 professionals working When you make a decision using The challenge The LGC response We are the UK’s in 21 countries, our analytical our resources, you can be sure it’s designated National measurement and quality control based on precise, robust data. And New Psychoactive Substances In response to the ever-expanding LGC Standards provides the widest Measurement services are second-to-none. together, we’re creating fairer, safer, (NPS) continue to be identified, range of NPS being developed, LGC range of reference materials Institute for chemical more confident societies worldwide. and it appears that moves by the has produced a comprehensive available from any single supplier. and bioanalytical As a global leader, we provide the United Nations and by individual range of reference materials that We work closely with leading widest range of reference materials lgcstandards.com countries to control lists of meet the rapidly changing demands manufacturers to provide improved measurement. available from any single supplier. named NPS may be encouraging of the NPS landscape. Many of access to reference materials, the development of yet further these products are produced under with an increasingly large range variants to avoid these controls. the rigorous quality assurance of parameters, for laboratories standards set out in ISO Guide 34.
    [Show full text]
  • New Psychoactive Substances in Australia
    NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN AUSTRALIA Rachel Sutherland BSocSc (Hons, Criminology) A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre School of Public Health and Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales November 2018 i THESIS/DISSERTATION SHEET Surname/Family Name Sutherland Given Name/s Rachel Anne Abbreviation for degree as give in the University calendar PhD Faculty Medicine School School of Public Health and Community Medicine Thesis Title New psychoactive substances in Australia Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) Over the past decade, countries worldwide have observed the rapid emergence of substances collectively referred to as ‘new psychoactive substances’ (NPS). To date, hundreds of NPS have been identified; however, for the most part very little is known about these substances. The exponential growth of NPS, combined with uncertainty regarding potential harms, has generated considerable concern amongst policy makers and there is international consensus regarding the need for ongoing monitoring and research into the NPS market. However, much of the research conducted in this area originates from Europe and the United States, with Australian-specific studies relatively scarce. This thesis aimed to address this gap in Australian specific studies using two data sources: the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS: a general population prevalence survey) and the Ecstasy and related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS: a national survey of high frequency psychostimulant consumers). Specifically, this thesis aimed to: 1) determine if there was a distinct group of exclusive Australian NPS consumers; 2) examine rates of use of different classes of NPS amongst people who use other illicit substances; 3) examine the motivations associated with NPS use; and 4) explore the purchasing and supply patterns of NPS consumers.
    [Show full text]
  • Mechanistic and Reinforcing Effects of Synthetic Cathinone Analogs Of
    Dolan, Sean B., “Ecstasy” to Addiction: Mechanistic and Reinforcing Effects of Synthetic Cathinone Analogs of MDMA. Doctor of Philosophy, (Biomedical Sciences), April, 2017, 121 pp., 0 tables, 12 figures, bibliography, 136 titles. Following widespread scheduling, many synthetic cathinone compounds have been diverted from “bath salts” to “Ecstasy” tablets or “Molly” powder formulations in addition to or in lieu of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The current study aimed to assess the mechanism and reinforcing effects of three under-researched synthetic cathinone analogs of MDMA frequently used as adulterants in “Ecstasy” formulations: methylone, butylone, and pentylone. To assess the mechanism of these compounds in vitro, we utilized whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology on HEK293 cells expressing the serotonin transporter (SERT). The abuse-related, in vivo mechanisms were determined using a drug discrimination assay with rats trained to discriminate methamphetamine, the hallucinogenic phenethylamine 2,5-dimethoxy-4- methylamphetamine (DOM), or MDMA from vehicle, and drugs that substituted were tested with the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH23390 to assess relative differences in dopaminergic signaling. The reinforcing effects were assessed in an intravenous self-administration assay using continuous and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement. Methylone and butylone, like MDMA, produced inward currents at SERT, indicative of a substrate-like mechanism. Each test compound fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. MDMA, methylone, and butylone substituted partially for DOM, and methylone and butylone substituted fully for MDMA. Pentylone, conversely, substituted partially for MDMA, but failed to substitute for DOM. SCH23390 fully and dose-dependently attenuated methamphetamine- appropriate responding, with pentylone being least sensitive to these antagonistic effects, but failed to attenuate MDMA-like responding against MDMA, methylone, and butylone.
    [Show full text]
  • 13.122.936 1 BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 1333 By: Perry Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND and PURPOSE
    BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 1333 By: Perry Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interested parties report that some synthetic drugs are currently being marketed as bath salts and incense, when these products actually contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of illegal controlled substances. These synthetic drugs have dangerous and deadly consequences, such as hallucination, severe agitation, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, chest pains, tremors, seizures, and, in some cases, death, and are being sold at the retail level to Texans of all ages. Despite current laws that address the sale, manufacture, and possession of synthetic drugs, the ease with which these chemical compounds can be changed while still producing similar effects creates difficulties in enforcing the laws. C.S.H.B. 1333 seeks to address this issue by amending provisions of the Texas Controlled Substances Act. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 1333 amends the Health and Safety Code to clarify that the definition of "controlled substance" includes a substance listed in Penalty Group 2-A of the Texas Controlled Substances Act and to expand the definition of "controlled substance analogue" to include a substance with a chemical structure substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2-A and a substance specifically designed to produce an effect substantially similar to, or greater than, the effect of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2-A.
    [Show full text]