Novel Psychoactive Substances: Orphines – Brorphine, Cychlorphine, and Beyond – a FACT SHEET by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association

The Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association is monitoring the emergence of novel psychoactive substances appearing on the illicit drug market in the United States. The term “novel” does not denote a new, never-before-seen substance but rather a substance that is newly available in the drug market. This fact examines orphines, a class of potent synthetic opioids first developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and known to have anesthetic properties. Drug policy experts believe that orphines are originating from clandestine laboratories in China and that their sudden rise in the illicit drug market is an attempt by clandestine chemists and international drug trafficking organizations to avoid international legal and regulatory barriers.

Read the Fact Sheet.