DEA Adds Obscure Cathinone to Schedule I Controlled List
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting December 17, 2025, 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) is officially a Schedule I drug, meaning it’s now tightly controlled like other dangerous substances. This change affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or even just possesses 4-CMC, bringing serious legal rules and penalties. The move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keeps communities safer without adding new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
4‑CMC officially placed in Schedule I
Starting December 17, 2025, 4‑chloromethcathinone (4‑CMC) is permanently listed as a Schedule I controlled substance. This means handling or possessing any amount without proper authorization is unlawful and subject to the civil, administrative, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I drugs.
DEA registration required to handle 4‑CMC
Anyone who manufactures, distributes, reverse distributes, imports, exports, engages in research, conducts instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possesses 4‑CMC must register with DEA under 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 and 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312. Persons who currently handle 4‑CMC but are not registered must apply for registration and may not continue handling 4‑CMC unless DEA approves the registration.
Surrender or transfer stocks before the effective date
If you are unwilling or unable to obtain a Schedule I registration, you must surrender or transfer all quantities of 4‑CMC to a DEA‑registered person before the effective date (December 17, 2025). Any remaining 4‑CMC must be disposed of in accordance with 21 CFR part 1317 and all applicable laws.
Research allowed but requires Schedule I authorization
Placing 4‑CMC in Schedule I does not bar academic or scientific research, but researchers must obtain Schedule I researcher registration to handle the substance. DEA directs prospective researchers to apply through the Schedule I researcher registration program to obtain permission to study 4‑CMC.
Specific compliance duties: inventories, security, records
DEA registrants handling 4‑CMC must follow Schedule I requirements including initial inventory on the date they first handle controlled substances, inventories every two years thereafter, security and employee‑screening rules (21 CFR 1301.71‑1301.76 and 1301.90‑1301.93), labeling/packaging rules, quotas for manufacture, order form rules, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements under 21 CFR parts 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1312, and 1317.
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