HB158 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code to add cathinone compounds (including methylone, mephedrone, and MDPV), specific synthetic cannabinoid compounds (JWH series and related compounds), and controlled substance analogs to Schedule I controlled substances list.

• Defines "controlled substance analog" as any material chemically similar to Schedule I or II controlled substances that either mimics their pharmacological effects, is intended to have such effects, exhibits cannabinoid receptor binding activity, or meets structural derivative criteria for synthetic cannabinoids.

• Creates new felony offense of "trafficking in controlled substance analogs" with mandatory minimum penalties: 3 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine for 12-28 grams increasing to life without parole for 10 kilos or more.

• Removes specific references to certain synthetic cannabinoid compounds from Section 13A-12-214.1 and updates Section 13A-12-231 to include controlled substance analog trafficking penalties consistent with other drug trafficking offenses.

• Becomes effective 10 days after passage and approval by the Governor; bill passed House on February 23, 2012 by vote of 99-0.