Controlled substances.

Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act (the act) , classifies controlled substances into 5 designated schedules, with the most restrictive limitations generally placed on controlled substances classified in Schedule I, and the least restrictive limitations generally placed on controlled substances classified in Schedule V. The act restricts the prescription, furnishing, possession, sale, and use of controlled substances, and makes a violation of those laws a crime, except as specified. Existing law also defines drug paraphernalia and prohibits, among other things, the manufacture, sale, and possession, as specified, of drug paraphernalia. Existing law excludes from these prohibitions any testing equipment that is designed, marketed, used, or intended to be used to analyze a substance for the presence of fentanyl, ketamine, gamma hydroxybutyric acid, or any analog of fentanyl. This bill would add xylazine, as specified, to Schedule III of the act, except in certain circumstances relating to veterinary use, only after xylazine is placed on Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act. The bill would also exclude from the prohibitions on paraphernalia any testing equipment to analyze a substance for the presence of xylazine and other emerging adulterants as determined by the State Department of Public Health. By creating a new crime, the bill would establish a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.