DEA Seeks to Permanently Schedule Four Dangerous Synthetics
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The DEA wants to make permanent the ban on four new synthetic drugs—4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA—by placing them in Schedule I. This means anyone making, selling, or using these drugs will face strict legal penalties. You’ve got until January 15, 2026, to share your thoughts before the rule becomes final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Permanent Schedule I: Criminal Penalties
The DEA proposes to permanently place 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA in Schedule I. If finalized, anyone who manufactures, distributes, imports, exports, possesses, or uses these drugs would be subject to the CSA's schedule I administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions.
Registrants Face Schedule I Compliance Rules
If these four substances are permanently scheduled, manufacturers, distributors, importers, exporters, and researchers handling them must register with DEA and comply with Schedule I rules for security, labeling, quotas, inventories, records and reports, order forms, and import/export requirements. DEA identified 11 suppliers of these substances (expects 10 affected) and states most entities already implemented required systems; DEA certified the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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.
2026-10090 — 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.
2026-08595 — Specific Listing for Hexahydrocannabinol, A Currently Controlled Schedule I Substance
The DEA is giving hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) its own official spot on the list of Schedule I drugs, making it clear that HHC is controlled separately from other similar substances. This change starts May 4, 2026, and affects anyone making, selling, or using HHC, which stays illegal under federal law. No new fees or costs are introduced, but the update helps law enforcement and businesses know exactly where HHC stands.
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: 2025-22948 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 36; Limited Entry Fixed Gear Follow-On Actions
This update affects fishermen with limited entry fixed gear permits on the West Coast by making their gear rules more flexible and removing old permit restrictions. It also tweaks how fishing spots are shared and hints at new cost rules coming soon. Comments are open until February 10, 2026, so fishers and folks can weigh in before changes swim into action!
Next: 2025-22995 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
The government is setting new fishing limits for groundfish in Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for 2026 and 2027 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules affect fishermen and seafood businesses by updating how much fish they can catch, with changes kicking in soon and public comments open until January 5, 2026. The goal? Smart fishing that protects the ocean and supports the fishing industry for years to come.