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Document · Posted October 30, 2026

Ordinance to add Chapter 199, Synthetic Drugs — Bill 32 of 2026 (revised)

Official title: An Ordinance Amending the Codified Ordinances of the City of Pottsville, to Add Chapter 199, Synthetic Drugs, and Regulating the Sale and/or Distribution of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Cathinones, Tianeptine, Kratom, Kratom Alkaloids, Syntheic or Semi Stntheetic or Opoid- Like Kratom Derivatives, Semi-Synthetic Hemp -Derived Cannabinoids, Synthic Musrooms, Phenibut and Nitrous Oxide for Human Consumption or Ingestion or Recreational Inhalation; and Prohibiting the Manufacture and Production Thereof for Human Consumption or Ingestion or Recreational Inhalation, and Establishing Penalties Therefor.

This ordinance prohibits the sale, distribution, manufacture, and production of various synthetic drugs within the City of Pottsville and establishes penalties for violations.

File Information

File of the Council of the City of Pottsville, PA. Ordinance Number Bill Number 32/2026. First Reading – October 29, 2026.

Purpose

The City of Pottsville has experienced an increase in emergency presentations, impaired driving incidents, and polysubstance use associated with products marketed as synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, tianeptine, kratom, and related substances. These products are frequently sold in concentrated, adulterated, or chemically modified forms, and synthetic and semi-synthetic versions have emerged which significantly increase potency and risk of dependency. In an effort to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Pottsville, the City desires to implement a comprehensive program by prohibiting the sale, distribution, manufacture and production of certain synthetic drugs.

What Are Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs include: synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, tianeptine, kratom, kratom alkaloids, synthetic or semi-synthetic or opioid-like kratom derivatives, semi-synthetic hemp-derived cannabinoids, synthetic mushrooms, phenibut, and nitrous oxide (excluding nitrous oxide used for medical purposes) and other branded or synthesized derivatives intended for human consumption, ingestion, or recreational inhalation.

Classifications of Synthetic Drugs

  • Synthetic Cannabinoids: Man-made molecules chemically similar to naturally occurring cannabis compounds, including products sold as herbal incense or potpourri such as Spice, K2, Scooby Snax, Ninja, Yucatan, and Mojo.
  • Synthetic Cathinones: Lab-made stimulants chemically related to substances in the khat plant, including bath salts, MDPV, and mephedrone, sold as plant food or jewelry cleaner.
  • Tianeptine: A chemical compound with brand names including Zaza, Tianaa, Neptune's Fix, Pegasus, and TD Red.
  • Kratom: Any part of the plant Mitragyna Speciosa (leaves, powder, resin, extract, concentrate, or encapsulated material) intended for human consumption.
  • Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic Kratom Derivatives: Chemically altered, synthesized, concentrated, or laboratory-modified compounds related to kratom alkaloids, including enhanced extracts and substances marketed as legal opioid alternatives.
  • Semi-Synthetic Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids: Laboratory-created compounds from legal hemp precursors, including delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, HHC, THCP, and THC-O.
  • Synthetic Mushrooms: Synthetic psychedelic compounds including 4-AcO-DMT, a prodrug that metabolizes into psilocin in the body.
  • Phenibut and Nitrous Oxide: Additional synthetic substances regulated when intended for human consumption or recreational inhalation (excluding medical use of nitrous oxide).

Prohibited Conduct

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to knowingly or recklessly:

  1. Sell at retail or wholesale synthetic drugs.
  2. Give, exchange, deliver, distribute, aid, assist or abet another person in obtaining synthetic drugs.
  3. Manufacture any synthetic drugs.
  4. Produce any synthetic drugs.
  5. Possess any synthetic drugs with the intent to sell or distribute.

Violations and Penalties

Any person or entity violating any provision of this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a summary offense and shall be fined an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 for any one offense, recoverable with costs, together with judgment or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days per offense.

Effective Date

This ordinance shall become effective ten (10) days after adoption.

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