DEAFinal Rule
Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Seven Specific Fentanyl-Related Substances in Schedule I
HealthcareOther
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Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is making seven new fentanyl-related drugs illegal by placing them in Schedule I, the most restricted category. This means these synthetic substances, which are similar to fentanyl but slightly different in chemical structure, can no longer be legally made, distributed, or possessed, and doing so will result in serious criminal penalties.
Key Points
- 1Seven specific fentanyl variants are now classified as Schedule I controlled substances, making them illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess without authorization
- 2This action targets so-called 'designer drugs' that drug makers create by slightly changing fentanyl's chemical formula to try to skirt existing laws
- 3Violators can face serious federal criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment, similar to penalties for other hard drugs
- 4Law enforcement agencies now have legal tools to prosecute people involved in making or selling these substances
- 5The regulation applies nationwide and affects pharmaceutical companies, illicit drug manufacturers, and individuals who may possess these substances
Key Dates
Published
September 18, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
The Digest Network
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