DEA Bans Mysterious Ketamine Analog for Two Years
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 22, 2026, the DEA is putting 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) into Schedule I, meaning it’s now treated like the most dangerous drugs. This affects anyone who makes, sells, or uses it, adding strict rules and serious penalties. The temporary ban lasts two years, giving the government time to decide if it should stay permanent.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 1 mixed.
Immediate Schedule I Classification
Starting May 22, 2026, 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) is temporarily placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act until May 22, 2028 (with a possible one-year extension). This subjects 2-FDCK (including its salts and isomers) to the strictest federal controls because DEA found it poses an imminent hazard to public safety.
DEA Registration Required to Handle 2-FDCK
As of May 22, 2026, anyone who handles (manufactures, distributes, imports/exports, researches, analyzes, or possesses) 2-FDCK must be registered with DEA under the Controlled Substances Act before continuing those activities. Persons currently handling 2-FDCK who are not registered must submit an application and may not continue handling the substance unless DEA approves the registration.
Manufacture, Import, and Quota Limits
Only DEA-registered manufacturers may produce 2-FDCK and only within quotas assigned by DEA under the CSA as of May 22, 2026. All importation and exportation must comply with DEA import/export regulations and order form requirements apply to distributors.
Surrender Stocks or Cease Handling
If you do not want or cannot obtain a Schedule I registration for 2-FDCK, you must surrender all quantities of the substance; continuing to possess or handle any quantity without authorization is unlawful as of May 22, 2026.
Unauthorized Handling: Criminal & Civil Risk
Any handling of 2-FDCK that is not authorized under the CSA on or after May 22, 2026 is unlawful and may subject the person to administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions under federal law.
90-Day Continuation for Certain Researchers
If, on May 22, 2026, you are conducting research on 2-FDCK and are already registered to research another Schedule I substance, you may continue that research provided you submit a completed application or modification to register for 2-FDCK within 90 calendar days of May 22, 2026. You may continue until the application is withdrawn or DEA moves to deny it.
Immediate Compliance Steps for Current Registrants
Current DEA registrants who possess any quantity of 2-FDCK must take an inventory on the effective date and will have 30 calendar days from May 22, 2026 to comply with labeling, packaging, recordkeeping, and record submission requirements. After the initial inventory, registrants must inventory controlled substances biennially.
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