Novel Drugs Lecture

NOVEL DRUGS

Introduction to Novel Drugs

  • Definition:
      - New and emerging drugs are referred to as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

  • Characteristics:
      - These substances are derivatives or modifications of commonly abused licit (legal) and illicit (illegal) drugs.
      - Misuse of commonly available substances can also lead to the production of NPS examples include butane hash oil, whippets, and nutmeg.

  • Dangers:
      - Novel drugs are often very dangerous to users due to their unpredictability.
      - Users may not be aware of their impacts or risks.

  • Addressing the Problem:
      - There are crucial questions about who is using these drugs and what steps can be taken to mitigate their negative consequences.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Alerts

  • Statement from the DEA:
      - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns the public about the dangers posed by designer synthetic drugs, also classified as NPS.
      - These substances lack any legitimate industrial or medical application.

  • Public Health and Safety Threat:
      - The misuse and abuse of NPS represent an ongoing public health and safety threat in the United States.

  • Encounters by Law Enforcement:
      - Over 300 NPS have been encountered by law enforcement, predominantly synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones.

  • Legal Implications:
      - Engaging in the manufacture and distribution of these dangerous substances may result in a prosecutable offense.

Regulatory Status of Kratom

  • Kratom Overview:
      - As of September 2025, the regulatory status of kratom is outlined based on several sources including news reports and the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association.

  • Legal Status:
      - Kratom is illegal and age-restricted in certain areas.
      - It is currently not controlled or regulated at a federal level.
      - The status differs across various regions, including Washington D.C.

Examples of Novel Drugs

  • A-Bennett: Salvia divornum

  • Bilski-Burgess: K2/Spice (synthetic cannabinoids)

  • Conroy-Eyasu: Bath salts (synthetic cathinones)

  • Fleis-Gustafson: Kratom

  • H-Madison: N-Bomb (25I-NBOMe)

  • Mc-Reyes: Captagon

  • Rodas-Tate: Xylazine

  • Tav-Z: 2C-B

Group Project Guidelines (Questions)

  • Create a PowerPoint Presentation:
      - The presentation should consist of approximately 3 slides.

  • Content Requirements:
      - Title slide: Include group members' names and the name of the drug.
      - 2 substantive slides:
        - Information about the drug:
          - Drug category (e.g., stimulant, hallucinogen).
          - History of the drug.
          - Effects on users.
          - Demographics of users.
          - Dangers associated with the drug.
          - Include any relevant images.
      - If possible, provide a link to a short video examining an aspect of the drug.

  • Submission Instructions:
      - Submit the completed presentation in the Week 12 module on Canvas.