Los Angeles moves to regulate phenibut sales

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to direct the City Attorney to draft regulations for phenibut, a central nervous system depressant currently sold in convenience stores and gas stations without federal oversight. The proposed measures aim to restrict sales to individuals under the age of 21, prohibit sales near schools and daycare centers, and mandate the inclusion of warning labels regarding the substance's risks.

Phenibut, a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, acts similarly to benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax. While it is a prescription medication in Russia for treating anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD, it is not federally regulated in the United States and cannot legally be sold as a dietary supplement. Despite this, it is frequently marketed on social media as a “smart drug” or “brain booster.”

Councilmember Heather Hutt, who authored the motion, highlighted the risks to young people, noting that the substance is easily accessible to children with little warning of potential side effects, which can include addiction, seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, and coma. The regulations are not yet law; the full council must vote again on the specific ordinance language before the rules take effect.