Monitoring and controlling emerging synthetic designer drugs

M.D. Walker, C. Prioleau, T. Boos, L. Wong, S. Tella. Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control, United States

Background: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continuously collects and reviews scientific, medical, and law enforcement data related to emerging drugs of concern. Designer chemical substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and phenethylamines have become increasingly popular drugs of abuse. These substances are abused for their psychoactive properties. Synthetic cannabinoids were originally identified in herbal products. Synthetic cathinones appeared on the designer drug market under the guise of bath salts. Law enforcement and data from poison control centers indicate that the use of these substances is widespread and growing. Another group of synthetic designer drugs, collectively known as phenethylamines from the 2C family (e.g., 2C-E, 2C-I, 2C-T-2), have been in the illicit drug market since 1998. The 2C designation of this class is based on these substances having the same core chemical structure that defines them as phenethylamines.

Results: In 2011, DEA temporarily controlled five synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497, and CP-47,497 C8 homologue) and three synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, methylone, and MDPV) as schedule I substances under the temporary scheduling provision of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These scheduling actions were done to avoid imminent hazards to the public’s health. DEA is currently collecting information and conducting scientific reviews of the substances in the 2C family.

Conclusion: DEA continues to monitor, gather, and evaluate scientific, medical, law enforcement, and other information on emerging drugs of abuse for possible Federal control under the CSA.