PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Board of Pharmacy)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-887-100 Schedule I, proposal to add synthetic cannabinoids to Schedule I controlled substance list.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 69.50 201 and 69.50.203.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Synthetic cannabinoids are psychoactive substances which, when consumed, mimics the effects [of] THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Reports of abuse and misuse of these products have increased eight-fold since 2009. The board of pharmacy is considering permanently adding synthetic cannabinoids to the Schedule I controlled substance list. Adding these substances identifies them as having a high potential for abuse with no medical use, and gives law enforcement clear authority to prosecute for the sale and possession of these substances. Rules will protect public health by alerting consumers of the potential for serious health risks as a result of their use.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state and local law enforcement. The DEA and law enforcement will be invited to participate as a stakeholder in the rule development process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in participating in the rule process or receiving updates can contact the Washington state board of pharmacy office to join the interested parties list. Send a written request by e-mail to wsbop@doh.wa.gov, by fax to (360) 236-2901, or by mail to Washington State Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 47863, Olympia, WA 98501. You can also contact Doreen Beebe, program manager, by phone at (360) 236-4834.
January 27, 2011
Susan Teil Boyer
Executive Director