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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 7, 2016 11:49 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Matthew E. Baker |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Carfentanil on the list of Schedule II Controlled Substances |
| I am introducing a bill that will place the drug, Carfentanil, on the list of Schedule II controlled substances which would severely restrict its availability and make it illegal to possess or distribute without a license or a prescription. Carfentanil is one of the most potent opioids in existence. It is 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. It is commonly used as a tranquilizer for large animals, such as elephants. Carfentanil can slow breathing significantly. It is unsafe for human use, and even a very small dose can be lethal. Recently, there have been instances where the drug has been added to other opioids like heroin to boost its effect, a cocktail that has resulted in several deaths. The PA Secretary of Health has taken steps to place Carfentanil on the Schedule II list as a temporary measure under the emergency authority created by the passage of Act 37 of 2016. Though the temporary listing will hold the line on this dangerous drug for the time being, a permanent listing is necessary given it’s lethality if consumed by humans. I invite you to co-sponsor this legislation. |
Introduced as HB127