DEA Targets New Synthetic Drug for Schedule I Ban
Published Date: 10/2/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The DEA wants to officially put MDMB-4en-PINACA, a powerful drug, into Schedule I, meaning it’s illegal to make, sell, or use. This move helps the U.S. follow international drug rules and keeps strict penalties for anyone caught handling it. If approved, these rules will stay in place permanently, affecting manufacturers, researchers, and users right away.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Possession and Handling Made Illegal
If finalized, MDMB-4en-PINACA would be placed in Schedule I. That would make it illegal to manufacture, distribute, import, export, or possess MDMB-4en-PINACA, and the existing Schedule I regulatory controls plus civil, administrative, and criminal sanctions would apply to people who handle it.
Researchers Subject to Schedule I Controls
If finalized, people who 'engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis' with MDMB-4en-PINACA would be covered by the same Schedule I regulatory controls and civil, administrative, and criminal sanctions as other Schedule I substances.
Manufacturers and Traders Face Permanent Controls
If finalized, MDMB-4en-PINACA would be placed in Schedule I and the rule would make permanent the existing regulatory controls and civil, administrative, and criminal sanctions that apply to manufacture, distribution, importation, and export of Schedule I substances.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10253 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine in Schedule I
Starting May 22, 2026, the DEA is putting 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) into Schedule I, meaning it’s now treated like the most dangerous drugs. This affects anyone who makes, sells, or uses it, adding strict rules and serious penalties. The temporary ban lasts two years, giving the government time to decide if it should stay permanent.
2026-10090 — Exempt Chemical Preparations Under the Controlled Substances Act
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reviewed and decided on applications for special chemical mixtures that don’t fall under strict drug rules, covering requests from July 2025 to March 2026. Some mixtures got approved, others denied, and a few listings were fixed from earlier notices. If you’re involved with these chemicals, you’ve got until July 20, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or big costs involved, just your voice!
2026-09566 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of CUMYL-PEGACLONE in Schedule I
Starting May 13, 2026, the DEA officially puts CUMYL-PEGACLONE—a chemical that can be risky—into Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using it now faces tough rules and penalties. This move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keeps communities safer without any new fees or costs.
2026-08587 — Importer of Controlled Substances Application: ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc.
ANI Pharmaceuticals wants to import certain controlled drugs like Levorphanol and Tapentadol. People who make or use these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by June 3, 2026. This move could affect drug availability and regulation, so keep an eye on the deadline to have your say!
2026-08588 — Bulk Manufacturer of Controlled Substances Application: Patheon API Inc.
Patheon API Inc. wants to make large amounts of special research drugs like dimethyltryptamine and psilocybin. This affects researchers and companies involved in clinical trials, with a chance to comment or ask for a hearing by July 6, 2026. No money changes are mentioned, but this move could speed up important medical studies.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19280 — Visibility Protection: Regional Haze State Plan Requirements Rule Revision
The EPA wants to make it easier for states to protect clear skies in special natural areas by updating the rules they follow. States that manage air quality near these spots will see changes in how they plan and report their progress. The EPA is asking for ideas now, so expect new rules and deadlines soon that could save time and money.
Next: 2025-19363 — Fishery Management Plans of St. Croix and St. Thomas and St. John; Queen Triggerfish Management Measures
Fishermen and seafood lovers around St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, listen up! New rules are coming to adjust how many queen triggerfish can be caught each year to keep the fish population healthy and strong. These changes, based on fresh science, aim to stop overfishing and make sure there’s plenty of fish for the future—starting as soon as the rule is official.