DEA Bans Designer Xanax Knockoff With Ridiculous Name
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting December 15, 2025, bromazolam—a drug similar to some strong sedatives—will be temporarily placed in Schedule I, meaning it’s considered very risky and illegal to make, sell, or use without special permission. This affects anyone who handles bromazolam, including makers, sellers, researchers, and users, who will now face strict rules and penalties. The move aims to keep people safe by controlling this drug quickly while the government studies it more.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Bromazolam moved to Schedule I
The Drug Enforcement Administration intends to temporarily place bromazolam in Schedule I. When the temporary order is published, persons who handle bromazolam — including manufacture, distribution, import, export, or possession — will be subject to the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I substances.
Researchers and labs face Schedule I rules
Researchers, laboratories, and instructors who engage in research, instructional activities, or chemical analysis of bromazolam will be subject to Schedule I regulatory controls and the same administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions. This change takes effect when the temporary scheduling order is published (the order will not be issued before January 14, 2026).
Temporary listing lasts two years (±1 year)
The temporary Schedule I placement will take effect on the date the temporary scheduling order is published in the Federal Register (the order will not be issued before January 14, 2026). The temporary placement will remain in effect for two years and may be extended for one additional year if regular scheduling proceedings are initiated.
Temporary orders not subject to judicial review
Temporary scheduling orders under 21 U.S.C. 811(h) are not subject to judicial review. That means affected parties cannot immediately seek court review of the temporary placement of bromazolam while the order is in effect.
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: 2025-22756 — Receipt of Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities-August 2025
The EPA just announced new requests to change rules about pesticide leftovers on foods like fruits and veggies. Farmers, food makers, and shoppers should pay attention because these changes could affect what’s allowed on your food. You’ve got until January 14, 2026, to share your thoughts before any decisions are made!
Next: 2025-22775 — Income of Foreign Governments and of International Organizations
The IRS is proposing new rules to clarify when foreign governments’ earnings from U.S. investments count as business income and when they control companies doing business here. These changes mainly affect foreign governments earning money in the U.S. and could impact how their income is taxed. Comments on the proposal are open until February 13, 2026, so interested parties should speak up soon!