DEA Bans Bromazolam: The Latest Sketchy Substance Gets Scheduled
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 16, 2026, bromazolam—a drug that can be dangerous—is temporarily placed in Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using bromazolam will face tough rules and penalties until March 16, 2028. The goal? To keep the public safe from harm while the government watches closely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Bromazolam placed in Schedule I
If you make, sell, possess, or use bromazolam, it is temporarily placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act from March 16, 2026 through March 16, 2028 (with a possible one-year extension). That means handling bromazolam without authorization may lead to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties under Schedule I rules.
DEA registration and compliance required
If you handle bromazolam (manufacture, distribute, import, export, research, chemical analysis, or possess), you must be registered with the DEA as of March 16, 2026 and follow Schedule I security, labeling, inventory, recordkeeping, reporting, and order-form rules. Current DEA registrants have 30 calendar days from March 16, 2026 to comply with labeling, inventory, and recordkeeping requirements.
Manufacture limited to DEA-registered firms
Only DEA-registered manufacturers may manufacture bromazolam under an assigned manufacturing quota as of March 16, 2026. Manufacturing without DEA registration or outside assigned quota is unlawful and may lead to sanctions.
Surrender stocks if not registered
If you do not want or cannot obtain a Schedule I registration to handle bromazolam, you must surrender all quantities you currently hold as of March 16, 2026. Possession or handling after that date without authorization is unlawful and may lead to prosecution.
Research continuation and 90-day rule
If you are conducting research on bromazolam and are already registered to research another Schedule I substance on March 16, 2026, you may continue that bromazolam research if you submit a completed application to register or modify your registration within 90 calendar days after March 16, 2026. If DEA issues an order to show cause, you may not continue research; expedited hearings must be held not later than 45 calendar days after a hearing request.
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