DEA slaps Schedule I on tramadol's sneaky metabolite O-DSMT
Published Date: 8/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration issues this temporary order to schedule O-desmethyltramadol (other names: O-DSMT; desmetramadol; 3-[(1R,2R)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1- hydroxycyclohexyl]phenol), including its isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters and ethers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing O-DSMT in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle O-DSMT.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Unauthorized Possession Becomes Unlawful
Possession of any quantity of O-DSMT in a manner not authorized by the Controlled Substances Act is unlawful on or after August 12, 2026. Individuals possessing O-DSMT without authorization may face administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions.
O-DSMT Temporarily Placed in Schedule I
The Drug Enforcement Administration temporarily placed O-desmethyltramadol (O-DSMT) in Schedule I effective August 12, 2026 through August 12, 2028. This action imposes Schedule I controls and sanctions on handling of O-DSMT to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety.
Handlers Must Register with DEA
If you manufacture, distribute, import, export, research, analyze, or otherwise handle O-DSMT, you must be registered with DEA to do so as of August 12, 2026. Anyone who currently handles O-DSMT and is not registered must submit an application and may not continue handling O-DSMT unless DEA approves the registration.
New DEA Compliance Rules for Registrants
DEA registrants handling O-DSMT must follow Schedule I requirements for security, labeling and packaging, inventory, records, reports, order forms, import/export rules, and manufacturing quotas as of August 12, 2026. Current registrants were given 30 calendar days from August 12, 2026 to comply with labeling, packaging, inventory, and recordkeeping requirements.
Surrender Stocks If Unregistered
Any person who does not obtain a Schedule I registration to handle O-DSMT must surrender all currently held quantities of O-DSMT as of August 12, 2026. Retail sales of Schedule I substances to the general public are not allowed under the Controlled Substances Act.
Researchers Can Continue for 90 Days
If on August 12, 2026 you were conducting research on O-DSMT and were already registered to research another Schedule I substance, you may continue that O-DSMT research if you submit a completed registration application or modification no later than 90 calendar days after August 12, 2026. You may continue research until you withdraw the application or the Administrator serves an order to show cause; if a hearing is requested after an order to show cause, it must be held on an expedited basis not later than 45 calendar days after the request unless delayed at the request of the person.
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