DEA Temporarily Bans New Tramadol Variant
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 24, 2026, O-desmethyltramadol (also called O-DSMT) will be temporarily placed in Schedule I, meaning it’s treated like the most tightly controlled drugs. This affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or even just possesses it, bringing strict rules and penalties. The move aims to keep people safe while the government studies the drug more closely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Legal Controls and Penalties for Handlers
Once the temporary order is published, anyone who manufactures, distributes, reverse distributes, imports, exports, researches, conducts instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possesses O-DSMT will be subject to the regulatory controls and the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I substances. Those sanctions apply immediately upon the order's publication and last for the duration of the temporary scheduling (two years from publication, with a possible one-year extension).
O-DSMT Temporarily Placed in Schedule I
O-Desmethyltramadol (O-DSMT) will be temporarily listed in Schedule I when DEA publishes the temporary order in the Federal Register (the order will not be issued before July 24, 2026). The temporary listing will remain in effect for two years from publication and can be extended for one additional year if formal scheduling proceedings are initiated.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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