Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
On May 4, Governor John Kasich signed an executive order allowing the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to take emergency action to declare a synthetic opioid illegal (Source: “Kasich Declares Synthetic Opioid Illegal,” (Elyria, OH) Chronicle-Telegram, May 5, 2016).
Gov. Kasich’s order calls for the pharmacy board to designate U-47700 as a schedule I controlled substance, which means the powerful narcotic has no known medical use.
The substance, which is seven times more potent than morphine, has been found by law enforcement officials in Ohio mixed with heroin.
Gov. Kasich’s executive order said that there have been confirmed cases in both Ohio and other states of fatal overdoses involving U-47700.