Novel Opioid Control Act of 2025.

SB 450, the Novel Opioid Control Act of 2025, updates North Carolina's Controlled Substances Act by adding specific synthetic opioids, fentanyl derivatives, nitazene compounds, and related substances to Schedule I. The bill directly affects individuals or entities producing, distributing, or possessing these newly listed chemicals, including substances like Brorphine, AP-237, and various fentanyl analogs. Its key mechanism bans entire chemical classes - defined by structural characteristics (e.g., substitutions on fentanyl or nitazene molecular frameworks) - rather than listing each compound individually. This prevents legal loopholes for new variants created through minor chemical modifications. The law applies to all such substances unless specifically excepted for medical research or approved pharmaceutical use.