DHH Adds Two New Synthetic Marijuana Compounds to Banned List

Thursday, July 3, 2014  |  Contact: Olivia Watkins, 225.610.8660

Baton Rouge, LA - Two new dangerous designer drugs have been banned by by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals through an emergency rule enacted today. Commonly called "Train Wreck 2", FUB-AMB (methyl (1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1 H-indazole-3-carbonyl)valinate) has been added to the schedule of Controlled Dangerous Substances after consultation with state and local health and law enforcement officials. Also added to the schedule of Controlled Dangerous Substances is "Kali Berry 2", 5-fluoro-AMB ((S)- methyl 2- (1- (5- fluoropentyl)- 1H- indazole- 3- carboxamido)- 3- methylbutanoate). Both compounds will be considered Schedule 1 controlled substances. 

DHH Secretary Kathy H. Kliebert signed the Emergency Rule this afternoon, after consultation with the Louisiana Poison Control Center, State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry, Louisiana State Police and East Baton Rouge parish law enforcement officials.

Secretary Kliebert said, "It is incredibly disheartening that dangerous new synthetic marijuana compounds continue to make their way onto the streets. These are dangerous chemical mixtures that can have serious medical impacts on their users. I am grateful for the work of law enforcement across the state as well as Louisiana Poison Control in helping to identify new substances." 

Dr. Guidry said, "We must continue to be vigilant and react quickly when new threats to health and safety arise. These are toxic chemicals mixed with no safe acceptable doses. Louisiana residents need to know that synthetic marijuana can kill; it's as simple as that."

Dr. Mark Ryan, director of the Louisiana Poison Control Center said, "These are designer drugs in the purest sense. They are being developed for the sole purpose of being abused. I've seen the terrible effects they cause and feel that we must do everything possible to control this problem."

For a copy of the emergency rule, click here. 

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, synthetic cannabinoids, which were first reported in the United States in 2009, are both dangerous and addictive, with health risks including:

• Severe agitation, anxiety and paranoia;
• Fast, racing heartbeat and elevated blood pressure;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Muscle spasms, seizures, and tremors;
• Intense hallucinations and psychotic episodes; and
• Suicidal and other harmful thoughts and/or actions.

These drugs are untested, have no known medicinal value and as such there is no accepted dose. The pharmacology and toxicity of these substances is mostly unknown. Poison Control Centers have received over 17,000 calls related to synthetic cannabinoids since 2010.  

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