DEA Extends Ban on Four Synthetic Drugs for More Study Time
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Rule
Summary
The DEA is extending the temporary ban on four risky substances—4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA—keeping them in the strictest drug category (Schedule I) for another year. This means anyone making, selling, or using these chemicals faces serious legal rules and penalties until a permanent decision is made. The extension runs from December 12, 2025, to December 12, 2026, or sooner if a final rule is set.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Schedule I Status Extended One Year
The DEA extends temporary Schedule I control of four synthetic cannabinoids — 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA — from December 12, 2025 through December 12, 2026, or until a final scheduling rule takes effect. The extension also covers their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers.
Businesses Making or Selling Face Continued Liability
If you manufacture, distribute, reverse-distribute, import, or export these four substances, you remain subject to the regulatory controls and the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I controlled substances for the period December 12, 2025 to December 12, 2026. The order explicitly lists those handling activities as covered.
Users and Possessors Remain Subject to Penalties
If you possess or use 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, or MMB-FUBICA (including their salts and isomers), the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions for Schedule I substances remain in effect from December 12, 2025 through December 12, 2026. The temporary order continues penalties for possession and use.
Researchers and Laboratories—Controls Continue
If you engage in research, instructional activities, or chemical analysis with these four substances, you continue to be subject to Schedule I controls and the associated administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions during the extension period (December 12, 2025 to December 12, 2026). The order covers research and instructional activities explicitly.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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