Decriminalization of Buprenorphine (S 2277)

This legislation would exclude buprenorphine from the list of controlled substances for which possession can result in such penalties, ensuring that substance use disorders are treated by rehabilitative and supportive measures rather than as issues of criminal justice.

The possession of buprenorphine, a medically recognized treatment drug for substance abuse disorders, currently carries criminal penalties. We supported a piece of legislation which would exclude buprenorphine from the list of controlled substances for which possession can result in such penalties, ensuring that substance use disorders are treated by rehabilitative and supportive measures rather than as issues of criminal justice.