STOP Nitazenes Act

This legislation seeks to permanently classify 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, commonly known as nitazenes , as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. It amends Section 202(c) of the Act to include these substances, subjecting them to the strictest regulatory controls due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The bill provides a comprehensive definition for "2-benzylbenzimidazole opioid," encompassing substances that are structurally related with specific chemical modifications, those exhibiting agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor , and explicitly listing several known nitazenes like etonitazene and metonitazene. Crucially, the bill mandates that any nitazenes previously subject to temporary scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act will be deemed permanently scheduled as Schedule I substances upon the bill's enactment. To ensure effective implementation, the Attorney General is directed to issue rules within one year, which may include an interim final rule that becomes immediately effective. This interim process will still provide an opportunity for public comment and a hearing before a final rule is established.