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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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