The Overview

If you work in pharmacy or drug policy in Michigan, the state board that tracks controlled-substance schedules now has less time to act when the federal government makes changes. Michigan's SB 716, which amends the state's Public Health Code to shorten the Michigan Board of Pharmacy's review-and-response period for federal controlled-substance schedule changes, became law when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed it July 21, 2026. ​

FOX 17 reported in May 2026 that prevention specialists in Ottawa County were warning that nitazenes, synthetic opioids a local specialist described as 10 to 20 times stronger than fentanyl, were increasingly being mixed into the drug supply without users' knowledge. The law took effect immediately upon signing.

What the Law Does

The law changes how quickly the Michigan Board of Pharmacy must review and respond when the federal government updates its controlled-substance schedules, according to The Record Patriot. It amends section 7204 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.7204), and its title says it modifies the scheduling of certain controlled substances. The shortened window means the board must move faster once Washington acts. The practical effect is that newly scheduled or rescheduled substances, including emerging synthetic opioids added at the federal level, can be treated as controlled under Michigan law more quickly, closing the gap between federal action and state enforcement.

Ottawa County prevention specialists warned in May 2026 that nitazenes, which one local specialist described as 10 to 20 times stronger than fentanyl, are increasingly being mixed into fentanyl, potentially without users knowing.

Legislative Status

Sen. Paul Wojno (D) sponsored the bill and was its only sponsor. The Senate passed it 34 to 1 on March 11, 2026. The House passed it 102 to 6 on July 3, 2026. Both chambers passed the bill with overwhelming, bipartisan margins, reflecting broad agreement that faster state scheduling responses are needed. Gov. Whitmer's office included SB 716 in its July 23, 2026, announcement of signed bills, saying the measure shortens the Board of Pharmacy's review-and-response period for federal controlled-substance changes.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article