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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526 — Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128 — Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-12653 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I; Correction
The DEA fixed a typo in the official chemical name of bromazolam, a drug they put in the strictest Schedule I category starting March 16, 2026. This correction makes the rules clear for everyone involved, especially law enforcement and drug handlers. No new fees or deadlines, just a clean-up to keep things accurate and official.
2026-12143 — Importer of Controlled Substances Application: AndersonBrecon, Inc. DBA PCI Pharma Services
AndersonBrecon, Inc. DBA PCI Pharma Services wants to become an official importer of certain controlled substances, including some strong drugs like tetrahydrocannabinols. People and companies involved with these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by July 17, 2026. This move could impact how these substances are brought into the U.S., but no costs or fees were mentioned yet.
2026-12144 — Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Wedgewood Pharmacy LLC
Wedgewood Pharmacy LLC wants to become an official importer of certain strong controlled substances, like Etorphine HCL and Thiafentanil. This affects drug manufacturers and others in the supply chain who can comment or request a hearing by July 17, 2026. No direct costs are mentioned, but the decision could impact how these drugs enter the U.S. market.
2026-12140 — Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Scottsdale Research Institute
Scottsdale Research Institute wants to become an official importer of some controlled substances like ibogaine and marijuana. People who make or import these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by July 17, 2026. This move could affect how these substances are brought into the U.S., but no costs or fees are mentioned yet.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12653 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I; Correction
The DEA fixed a typo in the official chemical name of bromazolam, a drug they put in the strictest Schedule I category starting March 16, 2026. This correction makes the rules clear for everyone involved, especially law enforcement and drug handlers. No new fees or deadlines, just a clean-up to keep things accurate and official.
Next: 2026-12669 — Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.