Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Georgia Board of Pharmacy Adopts New Emergency Rule Regarding Synthetic Cannabinoids


Notice of Adoption of Emergency Rule

July 2, 2013
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF EMERGENCY RULE; REASONS FOR ADOPTING OF AN EMERGENCY RULE TO THE GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY RULES CHAPTER 480-34, RULE 480-34-0.13-.09 ADDITIONAL SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES:
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the authority set forth below, the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy (hereinafter “Board”) is adopting an emergency rule to the Georgia Board of Pharmacy Rules, Chapter 480-34, Rule 480-38-0.13-09 (hereinafter “emergency rule”).
This emergency rule will be adopted under the authority of O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4 (b). This rule will be adopted to protect the health, safety, and/or welfare of the citizens of the State of Georgia. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4 (b), a board may proceed to adopt a rule with less than thirty (30) days of notice, with such rule being effective for no longer than one hundred and twenty (120) days, so long as the reasons for the aforementioned rule are stated in writing. 
This emergency rule classifies additional newly discovered compounds of synthetic cannabinoids as Schedule I substances under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-25(12)). 
The stated reason for the adoption of this rule is as follows:
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has determined that synthetic cannabinoids is now appearing throughout Georgia at an increased level.  Documented Poison Center reports show that users of synthetic cannabinoids can experience symptoms that include, but are not limited to, the following: altered mental status, lethargy, short-term coma, seizures, and psychosis.
Previously, during the 2010 Legislative Session, the Legislature banned all forms of synthetic cannabinoids as Schedule I substances in the State of Georgia. However, manufacturers altered their formulas to bypass the effectiveness of the law.  During the 2012 Legislative Session, the Legislature revisited this issue and passed a more inclusive law, SB 370 (“Chase’s Law”), which covered all variations of the chemical compounds within the synthetic cannabinoid products. However, manufacturers have now begun changing the molecular structure of the drug altogether in order to circumvent the current law. 
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has determined that synthetic cannabinoids manufactured using these new molecular structures have begun appearing in Georgia.  Since the adoption of Emergency Rules on or about June 11, 2012, June 27, 2012 and August 15, 2012, August 27, 2012 and a permanent rule on October 10, 2012 addressing certain new molecular structures as synthetic cannabinoids, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified some additional molecular structures that are being manufactured to circumvent the current law.
In order to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the State of Georgia, an emergency rule is being adopted to immediately classify these new additional molecular structures as Class I substances under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. 
The proposed emergency rule will be considered for adoption by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy at a conference call scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on July 3, 2013, at the Department of Community Health at 2 Peachtree Street, NW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303. According to the Department of Law, State of Georgia, the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy has the authority to adopt the proposed rules pursuant to authority contained in O.C.G.A Secs. 16-13-22, 26-4-28, and 50-13-4. 
This notice, together with an exact copy of the adopted emergency rule and a synopsis of the emergency rule, is being forwarded to all persons and/or parties who have requested in writing that they be placed on the interested parties list.  A copy of this notice, an exact copy of the emergency rule, and a synopsis of the emergency rule may be reviewed during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday- Friday, with the exception of State Holidays) at the Department of Community Health.  Copies may also be requested by contacting the Board office at (404) 651-8000.
For further information, please contact the Board office at (404) 651-8000.
This notice is given in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4 (b) of the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act.
This 2nd Day of July, 2013
TANJA D. BATTLE
Executive Director
Georgia Board of Pharmacy
POSTED:  July 2, 2013
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