AB 2846: Controlled substances: synthetic cannabinoid compounds and derivatives.

Existing law makes it a crime to sell, dispense, distribute, furnish, administer, or give, or offer to sell, dispense, distribute, furnish, administer, or give, or possess for sale, any synthetic cannabinoid compound or any synthetic cannabinoid derivative. Existing law provides that a first offense of using or possessing these substances is punishable as an infraction, a 2nd offense is punishable as an infraction or a misdemeanor, and a 3rd or subsequent offense is punishable as a misdemeanor.

This bill would expand the definition of a synthetic cannabinoid compound to include certain substances, a metabolite of specified substances, and any synthetic substances that, when ingested, are intended to act as a cannabinoid receptor agonist. By expanding the definition of a synthetic cannabinoid compound, this bill would expand the definition of a crime and would create 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.