SB208 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Arthur OrrDick BrewbakerBryan TaylorJerry L. Fielding

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Controlled substances, Schedule I, cathinone compounds, synthetic cannabinoid, controlled analog substances, included and subject to regulation and penalties, penalties for trafficking in controlled analog substances, Sec. 13A-12-214.1, 13A-12-231, 20-2-23, am'd (2012-20047)

Summary

SB208 adds cathinone compounds, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and controlled substance analogs to Schedule I and strengthens trafficking penalties.

What This Bill Does

The bill places new substances (including cathinone compounds and synthetic cannabinoids) on Schedule I, enforcing penalties like those for other Schedule I drugs. It also defines and regulates controlled substance analogs, with trafficking penalties similar to Schedule I substances and requires a state response when such analogs are scheduled. Additionally, it makes salvia divinorum illegal and expands penalties for trafficking a wide range of drugs, with mandatory minimum sentences and firearm-enhancement provisions.

Who It Affects

• Drug traffickers, manufacturers, and distributors who handle Schedule I substances or analogs would face Schedule I penalties, including potential lengthy prison terms and fines, plus possible firearm enhancements.
• Individuals in possession, sale, or transport of large amounts of controlled substances (such as cannabis, cocaine, illegal drugs, amphetamine/methamphetamine, hydromorphone, LSD, PCP, and related analogs) would face mandatory minimum sentences and may face life imprisonment without parole for very large quantities.

Key Provisions

• Adds cathinone compounds, specific synthetic cannabinoids, and controlled substance analogs to Schedule I in Section 20-2-23, making them subject to the same regulation and penalties as other Schedule I drugs.
• Amends Section 3A-12-214.1 to remove references to certain named synthetic cannabinoid compounds to align with their addition to Schedule I.
• Amends Section 13A-12-231 to provide penalties for trafficking in controlled substance analogs added to Schedule I, including criteria for what counts as an analog and when penalties apply.
• Defines controlled substance analogs, outlines how they are treated under law (including that analogs intended for human consumption are treated as Schedule I drugs), and establishes procedures for notifying health authorities after scheduling.
• Makes salvia divinorum illegal under Section 13A-12-214.1 with penalties corresponding to other drug offenses.
• Sets specific trafficking penalties for a wide range of substances (cannabis, cocaine, illegal drugs, morphine/heroin, hydromorphone, LSD, amphetamine, methamphetamine, PCP, and various other drugs and analogs) with defined quantity thresholds, mandatory minimum terms, and possible life sentences; includes a firearm enhancement of five years if a firearm is possessed during the crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Controlled Substances