Directs the commissioner of health to establish and maintain an electronic database, accessible to the public, of known synthetic cannabinoids

3 Co-sponsors

• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Terrence P. Murphy
• Susan Serino

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to directing the commissioner of health to establish an electronic database of known synthetic cannabinoids

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish an electronic database listing all known compounds, chemicals, products and brand names of synthetic cannabinoids so that the public can easily find helpful information about these dangerous drugs.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the bill requires the Commissioner of Health, in conjunction with the Division of Criminal Justice Services, to establish and maintain an electronic database online of known synthetic cannabinoids. The database must list all known compounds, chemicals, physical descriptions, brand names, and images of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic marijuana, spike, or K2.

Section 2 of the bill requires the Commissioner of Health to promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to implement this Act.

Section 3 provides that the requirement for DOH and DCJS to establish the database would take effect 90 days after becoming law, although DOH and DCJS must immediately take all actions necessary to ensure that this electronic database is operational on or before that 90 day period.

Justification

Synthetic cannabinoids continue to be a danger to New Yorkers, with over 6,000 New Yorkers exposed to synthetic cannabinoids in the past year. Many of these exposures result in hospitalization or in rare cases, death. It is important that New Yorkers are able to easily access a list of these dangerous drugs sold at local corner stores or on the street and that the public is fully aware of the dangers of these synthetic drugs. Establishment of an electronic database aims to accomplish that purpose.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This Act shall take effect immediately, provided that section 1 of this Act shall take effect 90 days after becoming law. The Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Health must take all actions necessary to ensure the database is operational on or before this effective date.