Controlled substances: tianeptine.

Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, joined by a bipartisan group of legislators, proposes classifying tianeptine as a Schedule I controlled substance under California's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The legislation adds tianeptine to the state's most restrictive drug category, which prohibits its prescription, sale, and possession except in specifically exempted circumstances.

Under current law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act organizes regulated drugs into five schedules, with Schedule I imposing the most severe restrictions. The act limits activities involving controlled substances and establishes criminal penalties for violations. This amendment would subject tianeptine to the same comprehensive controls that apply to other Schedule I substances.

The measure creates new enforcement obligations for local agencies by establishing criminal offenses related to tianeptine. While this constitutes a state-mandated local program, the bill specifies that local governments will not receive state reimbursement for associated costs, as the changes fall under established exemptions for legislation that modifies criminal statutes.