DEA Bans Bizarre Chemical: CUMYL-PEGACLONE Joins Schedule I Ranks
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Possession and Sale Now Illegal
As of May 13, 2026, CUMYL-PEGACLONE is placed in Schedule I. Retail sales of Schedule I controlled substances to the general public are not allowed, and possession or any handling not authorized by the Controlled Substances Act may lead to administrative, civil, or criminal penalties.
DEA Registration Required to Handle
If you manufacture, distribute, import, export, research, analyze, or possess CUMYL-PEGACLONE, you must be registered with DEA under 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 and 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312. Any person who currently handles CUMYL-PEGACLONE and is not registered may not continue to handle it as of May 13, 2026, unless DEA has approved a registration.
Surrender or Dispose Stocks if Not Registering
If you are unwilling or unable to obtain a Schedule I registration, you must surrender or transfer all quantities of CUMYL-PEGACLONE to a DEA-registered person before the effective date of this rule (May 13, 2026). Disposal must follow 21 CFR part 1317 and applicable Federal, State, local, and Tribal laws.
Registration Compliance: Security, Records, Quotas
DEA registrants handling CUMYL-PEGACLONE must follow Schedule I rules for security, employee screening, labeling and packaging, quotas for manufacture, initial and biennial inventories (including an initial inventory on the date the registrant first engages in handling and inventories every two years thereafter), recordkeeping and reporting, required order forms, and import/export controls.
Temporary Research Continuation Window
If on May 13, 2026 you are already registered to conduct research with another Schedule I substance, you may continue research on CUMYL-PEGACLONE provided you submit a completed application for registration or modification no later than 90 calendar days after May 13, 2026. If DEA serves an order to show cause proposing denial, you must stop research when the order is served unless you request a hearing; requested hearings are to be held on an expedited basis not later than 45 calendar days after the request.
DEA Finds No Significant Small-Entity Impact
DEA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. DEA notes there appear to be no legitimate marketed drug sources and no evidence of significant diversion from legitimate suppliers.
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Key Dates
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