Novel Psychoactive Substances: Isotonitazene – 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 sheet examines isotonitazene, a synthetic opioid, recently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, that is 500 times more potent than morphine. Experts believe that isotonitazene is mixed into other drugs to make the combined product more potent and profitable for the dealer. Law enforcement reports encountering isotonitazene both in powder form, which appears yellow, brown, or off-white in color, and also as counterfeit pills. Based on the most recent data available as of June 2021, there have been more than 250 reported fatalities in the U.S. involving isotonitazene.

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