DEA Schedules Dangerous Synthetic Drug in Strictest Category
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 27, 2026, the DEA is officially putting MDMB-4en-PINACA—a powerful and risky chemical—into Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using it will face serious legal rules and penalties. This move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keeps communities safer from this dangerous substance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
MDMB-4en-PINACA Placed in Schedule I
Starting April 27, 2026, DEA places MDMB-4en-PINACA (including its salts and isomers) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. That means handling this chemical (making, selling, importing, exporting, researching, or possessing it) is subject to Schedule I controls and to administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions.
Unauthorized Possession Is Unlawful
Possession of any quantity of MDMB-4en-PINACA in a manner not authorized by the CSA is unlawful and those in possession may be subject to prosecution. Retail sales of schedule I controlled substances to the general public are not allowed under the CSA.
DEA Registration Required to Handle
Anyone who handles (manufactures, distributes, imports, exports, engages in research, conducts instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possesses) MDMB-4en-PINACA, or who wants to handle it, must register with DEA under 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 and in accordance with 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312.
Holders Must Surrender Or Transfer Stocks
If you hold MDMB-4en-PINACA and you are unwilling or unable to obtain a Schedule I registration, you must surrender or transfer all quantities to a DEA-registered person before the rule's effective date (April 27, 2026) or dispose of them in accordance with 21 CFR part 1317 and other applicable laws.
Registered Handlers Face Specific Controls
DEA registrants handling MDMB-4en-PINACA must follow Schedule I requirements including security safeguards (21 CFR 1301.71-1301.76), employee screening (21 CFR 1301.90-1301.93), labeling/packaging rules (21 CFR part 1302), manufacturing quotas, inventories (initial and every two years), records and reports, special order form requirements, and import/export compliance.
Research Remains Possible With Registration
Placing MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule I does not preclude bona fide scientific or medical research, but researchers must apply for Schedule I researcher registration through DEA's researcher registration program before working with the substance.
DEA Says Small Entities Not Significantly Impacted
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, DEA certified that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, and notes that DEA identified only limited legitimate suppliers (one supplier listed in SciFinder) and no evidence of substantial diversion from legitimate suppliers.
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