Assembly Passes Braunstein’s Bill Banning “N-Bomb” Drug

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) announced the passage in the Assembly of legislation banning the synthetic drug known as “N-Bomb” (A.627-A/S.738).

N-Bomb, also known as “Smiles,” first surfaced in 2013, accompanied by reports of overdoses throughout the country. This legislation would ban key ingredients contained in this drug that mimic the hallucinogenic effects of LSD. Because this drug is chemically manufactured, its potency varies widely. As such, it is difficult to predict how someone may react to the substance. Some harrowing side effects of N-Bomb include seizures, psychotic episodes, loss of consciousness, and bleeding from the brain.

“Just as my 2011 legislation banning bath salts helped to prevent an epidemic in New York, this bill would permanently ban these dangerous chemicals before the problem becomes widespread in our State,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “These dangerous substances are being marketed throughout the country, and the result is the same as bath salts – damaging effects to the user and potentially dangerous consequences for our communities.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration added the chemicals used to manufacture N-Bomb to its permanent list of controlled substances as a Schedule I drug on November 15, 2013. This bill would add these chemicals to the state’s banned substances list.

Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-C-IP – Rome) is the sponsor of this legislation in the Senate.