SB208 Summary

• Adds cathinone compounds (including Methylone, Mephedrone, and related substances) to Alabama's Schedule I controlled substances list subject to same penalties as other Schedule I drugs.

• Adds specific named synthetic cannabinoid compounds (JWH series, HU series, WIN series, and others) to Schedule I controlled substances list.

• Establishes "controlled substance analogs" as Schedule I substances, defined as compounds chemically similar to Schedule I or II substances that produce similar pharmacological effects or have cannabinoid receptor binding activity.

• Creates new felony offense of "trafficking in controlled substance analogs" with mandatory minimum sentences of 3 years (28-500 grams), 10 years (500 grams-1 kilo), 15 years (1-10 kilos), or life without parole (10+ kilos), plus fines up to $250,000.

• Requires Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to notify Department of Public Health when a substance is determined to be a controlled substance analog; becomes effective 10 days after passage.