HB480 Summary

• Increases the threshold weight for trafficking in controlled substance analogues from 28 grams to 56 grams in Alabama Code Section 13A-12-231.

• Adds over 300 specific synthetic controlled substances and chemical compounds to Schedule I of Alabama's controlled substances list, including synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, phenethylamines, and other designer drugs.

• Establishes broad categorical definitions for synthetic controlled substance analogues based on chemical structure similarity, pharmacological effects, binding activity at cannabinoid receptors, and intent of the person distributing the substance.

• Requires the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to notify the Department of Public Health when a substance is determined to be a synthetic controlled substance analogue for scheduling purposes.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor, with exclusion from constitutional requirements on local expenditures because it defines a new crime.