SB0206 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to include "synthetic drug" and "class of synthetic drug" in the definition of controlled substances, allowing regulation of drugs designed to mimic the effects of controlled substances.

• Adds new definition of "synthetic drug" encompassing synthetic cannabinoids, piperazines, and cathinones identified by specific chemical configuration or structural class.

• Authorizes the Department of Human Services to schedule classes of synthetic drugs by administrative rule based on their underlying chemical structure, not just specific chemical configuration.

• Requires the Department to consider factors including structural similarity to controlled substances, danger level, pharmacological effects, bona fide uses, and manufacturers' ability to circumvent scheduling through chemical manipulation when determining whether to schedule synthetic drug classes.

• Mandates the Department follow established scheduling procedures when federal authorities schedule, reschedule, or delete synthetic drugs as controlled substances.