Senate Bill 321 Summary

• Revises the definition of "isomer" in North Carolina's Controlled Substances Act to specify "the optical isomer, unless otherwise specified" rather than including all types of isomers.

• Adds specific controlled substances to Schedule I, including Isopropyl-U-47700, U-51754, U-48800, Isotonitazene, Metonitazene, and Brorphine.

• Clarifies scheduling language for fentanyl derivatives, opium derivatives, and other controlled substance categories by specifying that isomers include optical, positional, or geometric variations.

• Adds six anticonvulsant substances to Schedule III: Ezogabine, Lacosamide, Brivaracetam, Pregabalin, Cenobamate, and Lasmiditan.

• Adds fentanyl and carfentanil to the list of Schedule II substances that carry felony penalties equivalent to methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cocaine trafficking offenses.

• Becomes effective December 1, 2021, for offenses committed on or after that date.