Pursuant to subsection D of § 54.1-3443, the Board of Pharmacy is giving notice of a public hearing to consider placement of chemical substances in Schedule I of the Drug Control Act.  The public hearing will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. on September 29, 2015 at the Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 201, Richmond, VA 23233.  Public comment may also be submitted electronically or in writing prior to June 1, 2015 to Caroline Juran, Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy to caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.

As specified in § 54.1-3443, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) has identified six (6) compounds for recommended inclusion by the Board of Pharmacy into Schedule I in the Code of Virginia. A brief description and chemical name for each compound is as follows:

1. Acetyl fentanyl (other name: desmethylfentanyl)

Acetyl fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar in structure to fentanyl and has been identified in DFS laboratories; however, acetyl fentanyl has not been approved for medical use in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a notice of intent on May 21, 2015 to temporarily place acetyl fentanyl into Schedule I.  Upon finalization of this proposed action, DFS recommends placing acetyl fentanyl into Schedule I (§ 54.1-3446(1)).

1. Etizolam

Etizolam is chemically related to the class of drugs referred to as benzodiazepines which are central nervous system depressants. Etizolam has been approved for medical use in some countries; however, Etizolam has not been approved for medical use in the United States and has been identified in DFS laboratories. Other drugs of this type have been placed in Schedule I (§ 54.1-3446(4)) in previous legislative sessions.

1. 4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-[(2-hydroxyphenyl) methyl]-benzeneethanamine (other name: 25I-NBOH)

25I-NBOH is classified as a research chemical and is similar in structure to 25I-NBOMe – a schedule I compound. 25I-NBOH has been identified in DFS laboratories including post mortem toxicology cases. Other drugs of this type have been placed in Schedule I (§ 54.1-3446(3)) in previous legislative sessions.

1. alpha-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (other name: alpha-PHP)

Alpha-PHP is classified as a research chemical and has been identified in DFS laboratories. Other drugs of this type have been placed in Schedule I (§ 54.1-3446(3)) in previous legislative sessions.

1. alpha-Pyrrolidinoheptiophenone (other name: PV8)

PV-8 is classified as a research chemical and has been identified in DFS laboratories. Other drugs of this type have been placed in Schedule I (§ 54.1-3446(3)) in previous legislative sessions.

1. 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-3-(4-methyl-1-naphthoyl) indole (MAM-2201)

MAM-2201 is classified as a cannabimimetic agent, and has been identified in DFS laboratories. Other drugs of this type have been placed in Schedule I (§ 54.1-3446(7)(b)) in previous legislative sessions.

If approved by the Board of Pharmacy, the placement of these substances in Schedule I in the Virginia Drug Control Act shall remain in effect for a period of 18 months from the date of Board action and shall then be de-scheduled unless the Drug Control Act is amended by enactment of legislation by the General Assembly.