DEA Schedules Four Ridiculous Synthetic Drug Names in Schedule I
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 1, 2026, the DEA officially puts four new substances—4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA—into Schedule I, meaning they’re now illegal to make, sell, or use without special permission. This affects anyone handling these chemicals, including researchers and businesses, who must follow strict rules or face serious penalties. The move aims to keep communities safer by cracking down on these risky drugs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Four Chemicals Placed in Schedule I
Starting May 1, 2026, DEA permanently places 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA in Schedule I. That means making, distributing, importing, exporting, or possessing these substances is unlawful without DEA authorization and persons who handle them face administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions.
Registration Required to Handle Substances
Any person who handles or wants to handle these four substances must register with DEA under 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 and the implementing regulations. Persons who currently handle them and are not registered may not continue to handle them as of May 1, 2026.
Research Continuation Window and Hearing Timelines
If on May 1, 2026 you are registered to conduct research with another Schedule I substance, you may continue research on these four substances only if you submit a completed registration or modification application within 90 calendar days after May 1, 2026. If DEA serves an order to show cause proposing denial, you may request a hearing which will be held on an expedited basis and not later than 45 calendar days after the request unless you ask for a later date.
Compliance Rules: Security, Inventory, and Reporting
Registered handlers must follow Schedule I controls: meet security requirements, complete initial inventories on the date they first handle these substances, take inventories every two years, comply with labeling and packaging rules, submit required records and reports (including to the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Order System), and use required order forms for distribution.
Disposal Requirement for Unregistered Holders
If you are unwilling or unable to obtain a Schedule I registration, you must surrender or transfer all quantities you hold of these substances to a DEA-registered person before the effective date (May 1, 2026) and dispose of them in accordance with 21 CFR part 1317 and applicable laws.
DEA Certifies Little Small-Entity Economic Impact
DEA states, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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