Possession of some types of synthetic substances could expose a person to federal or state drug charges. Now, what specific kinds of synthetic substances are officially illegal is an ever-evolving thing. The lists of banned substances regularly change.
One substance that has been getting a fair amount of attention lately will soon be added to some of these lists. The substance is U-47700.
U-47700, which is sometimes described as a synthetic opioid, was created in the 1970s. It has jumped onto the radar of authorities and the general public in recent times, as it has been connected to some overdose deaths here in the United States.
It appears that this substance will soon be illegal at the federal level. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration plans to make the substance prohibited by early October.
And an action was recently taken here in Wisconsin which will officially make U-47700 an illegal substance in the state in the not too distant future. Specifically, the state’s Controlled Substances Board recently decided to add U-47700 to the state’s list of controlled substances. It will be classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This is the most severe of the five drug classification schedules.
This decision to make U-47700 an illegal Schedule I controlled substance in the state will take effect Nov. 7.
A substance being relatively new to being illegal doesn’t make being accused of possessing it any less severe of an allegation. Just like being accused of having a drug that has been illegal for a long time, being accused of having a drug that recently became illegal can expose a person to some major consequences. So, when accused of possessing any illegal synthetic controlled substance, including those that are relatively new to being illegal, having skilled defense guidance can be critical.
Sources: The Journal Times, “U-47700 to become illegal,” Andrew Dawson, Sept. 20, 2016
WDIO, “Wisconsin Board Bans Synthetic Opioid,” Sept. 20, 2016
