Temporary Scheduling of Six Synthetic Cannabinoids by the DEA

What You Need To Know

Bottom line up front: The DEA is scheduling 6 snthetic cannabinoids into schedule 1. This is like whack a mole, though. As soon as they are outlawed, 12 more will pop up. Don’t forget to hit that heart button up top if you like this info and leave a comment.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register to temporarily place MDMB-4en-PINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA in Schedule I. So, what does this mean? It means that the DEA is going to place them in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to prohibit their possession.

Below, you’ll see reasoning behind what the DEA is doing. However, this is like playing Whack and Mole. Our CSA is antiquated and cannot keep up with the pace of these new synthetic drugs. As soon as the DEA outlaws these drugs, new ones will quickly take their place. With that said, here’s the info you need to know.

DEA's Summary on Temporary Scheduling

The Administrator of the DEA intends to publish a temporary order scheduling six synthetic cannabinoids, including their optical and geometric isomers, salts, and salts of isomers. This temporary scheduling applies whenever the existence of these isomers and salts is possible under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to Schedule I controlled substances will be imposed on persons who handle or propose to handle these six specified SCs. This includes manufacturing, distributing, reverse distributing, importing, exporting, engaging in research, conducting instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possessing these substances.

Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Drug Reports

Supplementary information provided in the Federal Register indicates that these six SCs have been identified in drug reports submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) and by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The identification of these SCs demonstrates their availability in the United States and highlights the need for law enforcement to be aware of their presence.

Risks to Public Health

The temporary scheduling of these six SCs is based on the risk they pose to public health. Synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with adverse health effects, including severe respiratory depression, vomiting, seizures, and death. The risk of these health effects, combined with their high potential for abuse, has led the DEA to take action in temporarily scheduling these substances as Schedule I controlled substances.

Implications for Law Enforcement

The temporary scheduling of these six SCs has several implications for law enforcement officers:

1. Increased awareness: Law enforcement officers should be aware of the presence of these SCs, their potential for abuse, and the adverse health effects associated with their use. Officers should familiarize themselves with the chemical names and structures of these substances to better identify them during investigations.

2. Training and resources: Departments should ensure that their officers receive appropriate training and resources to identify and handle these SCs safely. This includes information on handling procedures, personal protective equipment, and drug detection technology.

3. Collaboration with other agencies: Law enforcement officers should work closely with other agencies, including the DEA, CBP, and forensic laboratories, to share information and collaborate on investigations involving these SCs.

4. Legal implications: Officers should be aware of the legal implications of the temporary scheduling, including the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to Schedule I controlled substances. This knowledge will help officers enforce the law and protect public health effectively.

Conclusion

The DEA's temporary placement of MDMB-4en-PINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA in Schedule I is an important step in combating the risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids. Law enforcement officers play a crucial role in enforcing the regulations and sanctions that come with this scheduling. By increasing awareness, providing appropriate training and resources, and collaborating with other