DEA Proposes Scheduling a Hallucinogen With a Tongue-Twister Name
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The DEA wants to put 3-methoxyphencyclidine, a hallucinogenic drug, into Schedule I, meaning it’s considered very risky with no accepted medical use. This change affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or owns this drug, adding strict rules and penalties. You have until July 10, 2025, to share your thoughts before the new rules might kick in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
3‑MeO‑PCP placed in Schedule I
The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes to place 3‑methoxyphencyclidine (3‑MeO‑PCP) and its salts and isomers in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. If finalized, anyone who makes, sells, imports, exports, researches, or possesses 3‑MeO‑PCP would be treated as handling a Schedule I substance.
Authorized handling required or face penalties
The proposal says any activity involving 3‑MeO‑PCP that is not authorized by the Controlled Substances Act or its regulations would be unlawful and may subject the person to administrative, civil, and/or criminal sanctions. That applies to manufacture, distribution, import/export, research, instructional activities, chemical analysis, or possession.
New registration and compliance duties
If the rule is finalized, persons who handle 3‑MeO‑PCP must register with DEA and follow Schedule I requirements including security rules, labeling and packaging rules, DEA‑assigned manufacturing quotas for registered manufacturers, order form rules, import/export controls, and recordkeeping/reporting. Registered handlers must take an initial inventory on the effective date of a final scheduling action and then take inventories every two years.
Agency says small entities not significantly harmed
DEA certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed scheduling action "will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities." DEA identified affected NAICS industries and reported counts and percent small firms, e.g., NAICS 325412: 1,007 firms, 931 small (92.4%); 424210: 6,958 firms, 6,663 small (95.8%); 424690: 6,069 firms, 5,781 small (95.3%); 541715: 8,019 firms, 7,571 small (94.4%); and 611310: 2,433 firms, 1,515 small (62.3%). DEA also identified 13 entities supplying 3‑MeO‑PCP.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2025-05007, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
Starting December 31, 2025, veterans can get buprenorphine treatment and follow-up care through telemedicine, making it easier to access help for opioid use disorder without leaving home. This change affects veterans using VA health services and aims to improve treatment access while the government reviews feedback and policies. No new costs are mentioned, but the delay gives agencies time to ensure the rules work well.
2025-02793, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
The government is giving veterans easier access to buprenorphine treatment through telemedicine, letting them get care remotely. This change affects veterans using VA health services and aims to make treatment smoother and more convenient. The new rules were supposed to start February 18, 2025, but now they’ll kick in on March 21, 2025, while the government gathers public feedback.
2026-21799, Vida Janson, M.D.; Decision and Order
Vida Janson, M.D., lost her license to handle controlled substances in Washington State, so the DEA has officially revoked her registration to prescribe or dispense these drugs. This means she can no longer legally work with controlled substances, effective immediately. If you’re a healthcare provider or patient in Washington, this change ensures only authorized professionals handle these medications.
2026-21725, Barry Backiewicz, D.D.S.; Decision and Order
Dr. Barry Backiewicz from Ohio lost his DEA registration because he no longer has permission to handle controlled substances in his state. He didn’t ask for a hearing to challenge this, so the decision to revoke his registration is final. This means he can’t legally prescribe or manage controlled drugs anymore, effective immediately.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10469, Updates to the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order
Popcorn processors will see a small bump in their fees from 5 to 6 cents per hundredweight to match what’s been charged since 2001. The update also adds rules for late payments and interest charges to keep things fair and on time. Comments on these changes are open until July 10, 2025, so popcorn folks have a chance to weigh in!
Next: 2025-10529, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Zuni, NM
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Zuni, New Mexico to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers by improving flight rules in the area. Comments on this plan are open until July 25, 2025, and there’s no cost to the public.