DEA Proposes Banning Obscure Hallucinogen 3-Methoxyphencyclidine
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 and illegal to handle without special permission. This change affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or owns this drug and helps the U.S. follow international drug rules. If approved, the new rules and penalties will kick in soon, with no extra costs for most people.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
3‑MeO‑PCP Placed in Schedule I
The DEA proposes to place 3-methoxyphencyclidine (including its salts and isomers) in Schedule I. If finalized, anyone who makes, sells, imports, exports, studies, or possesses this drug would be subject to the regulatory controls and the civil, administrative, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I substances.
Research and Lab Activities Restricted
Researchers, laboratories, and instructors who work with this chemical would face Schedule I regulatory controls if the listing is finalized. Research, instructional activities, and chemical analysis involving the drug would be subject to registration, restrictions, and possible civil or criminal penalties.
Salts and Isomers Also Covered
The proposal explicitly covers the drug’s salts, isomers, and salts of isomers as part of the Schedule I listing. That means chemical variants of 3-methoxyphencyclidine would also be subject to the same controls and penalties.
Most People Won’t Bear Extra Costs
The proposal states that, if approved, there would be no extra costs for most people. That means ordinary consumers generally are not expected to face new expenses from this scheduling action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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