Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order on Tuesday authorizing the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately classify nine synthetic opioid as Schedule I controlled substances, which bans the sale and use of them in Ohio.

These synthetic opioids are known as nitazenes. According to a press release, nitazenes were originally developed decades ago as possible alternatives to morphine, but were never approved for medical use.

Now, new nitazene compounds are increasingly being found in Ohio's illegal drug supply.

According to the release, these nitazenes are often more potent than other Schedule I opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, and in turn pose a higher risk of negative outcomes from unintentional drug poisonings including death.

Nitazene compounds are becoming increasingly involved in opioid deaths in Ohio. Back in 2020, just three deaths involving nitazene compounds were confirmed and reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

That number significantly jumped in 2021 and 2022, which saw an average of 57 deaths. And while the 2023 data isn't complete yet, ODH has recorded 77 nitazene-related deaths for the year.

According to the release, these numbers only reflect confirmed cases, and due to under reporting, the true number is expected to be much higher.