Subjecting 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), 3,4-dichloro-N-[[1-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]methyl]benzamide (AH-7921), 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexanone (methoxetamine) to control measures

PURPOSE: to apply control measures to new psychoactive substances.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1875 on subjecting 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), 3,4-dichloro-N-[[1-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]methyl]benzamide (AH-7921), 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexanone (methoxetamine) to control measures.

CONTENT: the Council adopted an implementing decision on subjecting the new psychoactive substances to control measures across the European Union:

• 25I-NBOMe, a potent synthetic derivative of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I), a classical serotonergic hallucinogen;
• AH-7921, a structurally atypical synthetic opioid analgesic commonly known by internet suppliers, user websites and media as ‘doxylam’;
• MDPV, a ring-substituted synthetic derivative of cathinone chemically related to pyrovalerone and;  
• methoxetamine, an arylcyclohexylamine substance which is chemically similar to ketamine and the internationally-controlled substance phencyclidine (PCP) which has dissociative properties.

The implementing Decision implements Decision 2005/387/JHA that confers upon the Council implementing powers with a view to giving a quick and expertise-based response at Union level to the emergence of new psychoactive substances detected and reported by the Member States, by subjecting those substances to control measures across the Union.

A risk assessment report on the four new psychoactive substances was drawn up in accordance with Decision 2005/387/JHA by a special session of the extended Scientific Committee of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The report pointed out that further research would be needed to determine the health and social risks that these substances pose.

As a result of the health risks that they pose, as documented by their detection in several reported fatalities, of the fact that users may unknowingly consume them and of the lack of medical value or use of the substance, the four substances should be subjected to control measures across the Union.

Decision 2014/688/EU is replaced, without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time limit for subjecting that new psychoactive substance to control measures and criminal penalties in their national laws.

The United Kingdom is not bound by Decision 2005/387/JHA and is therefore not taking part in the adoption of this Decision, which implements Decision 2005/387/JHA, and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 21.10.2015.