What's happening
This bill classifies the synthetic opioid U-47700 ("Pink") as a Schedule I controlled substance in New York State.
Why it matters
Addresses a dangerous public health threat. U-47700, known as "Pink," is a potent synthetic opioid linked to numerous overdose deaths. By classifying it as Schedule I, New York can more aggressively combat its distribution and use, potentially saving lives.
Empowers law enforcement and prosecutors. Schedule I classification gives authorities stronger legal grounds to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in manufacturing, selling, or possessing "Pink," which was previously in a regulatory gray area.
Signals state responsiveness to emerging drugs. Including U-47700 in state law demonstrates New York’s ability to quickly adapt its controlled substances list in response to new and rapidly evolving synthetic drugs, helping to close loopholes exploited by illicit drug manufacturers.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Pink Opiate Drug
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1533
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 15, 2019
Introduced by Sens. KENNEDY, BROOKS, GALLIVAN, HELMING, SERINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to classifying U-47700, more commonly known as "Pink", as a schedule I opiate
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision (b) of schedule I of section 3306 of the public health law is amended by adding a new paragraph 58 to read as follows:
(58) U-47700 (3,4-dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamine)cyclohexyl]-Nmethylbenzamide).
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02007-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to classifying U-47700, more commonly known as "Pink", as a schedule I opiate
Purpose
This bill adds U-4770, commonly known as "Pink", as a schedule opiate controlled drug, criminalizing possession and sale of the drug.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: amends subdivision (b) of schedule I of section 3306 of the public health law by adding a new paragraph 56.
Section 2: sets the effective date.
Justification
While New York has recently passed legislation addressing the opiate epidemic, synthetic opiate drugs also remain a problem. These drugs often infiltrate communities, causing public health problems. Recently, a new synthetic opiate, U-47700, commonly referred to as "Pink", has spread in popularity across the United States. "Pink" is reportedly eight times more powerful than heroin; a dose is available for purchase over the internet for as little as $5; and is so dangerous that merely touching the drug with bare skin is dangerous to humans.* As of October 2016, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has identified 15 deaths nationwide attributed to using "Pink", however the agency believes this number is probably higher.* While the DEA has already started the proc- ess to classify "Pink" as a controlled substance, New York has not yet done so, meaning the purchase and sale of the drug is not yet prohibited under state law.
This bill would classify the synthetic drug U-47700, known as "Pink", as a schedule I opiate. By classifying "Pink" as a schedule I opiate, possession and sale of the drug will be criminalized under New York law, helping to stop the spread of "Pink" across our state and potentially harming or killing New Yorkers.
*http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/americas-heroinepidemic/pinkstronger heroin-legal-most-states-n666446
Legislative history
2017-18: S.658/A.7526
2016: S.8206 Referred to Rules
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.