What are substances that are chemically different from controlled substances but are claimed to be similar?

The term that refers to substances that are chemically different from controlled substances but are claimed to be similar is "Simulated Controlled Substances." This classification typically encompasses substances that, while not chemically identical or structurally related to legally regulated drugs, are marketed and used in a manner akin to those drugs. They often mimic the effects of controlled substances, leading to confusion among consumers and regulatory challenges.

In the context of drug classification and law enforcement, understanding that simulated controlled substances may be legally designed to evade prohibition while still providing psychoactive effects is crucial. As such, these substances often fall into a gray area within legal frameworks, impacting public health and safety initiatives.

While synthetic drugs and designer drugs are terms that are often used interchangeably, they may refer to more specifically tailored alterations of existing drugs to create new effects or circumvent legal restrictions. Legal highs, on the other hand, generally refer to substances that can produce effects similar to controlled drugs but are not explicitly designated as controlled, which may also include various legal substances used recreationally rather than being specifically engineered to imitate controlled substances.