The DEA is seeking to make two currently legal psychedelics Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, making them illegal for all uses.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes placing two phenethylamine hallucinogens, as identified in this proposed rule, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act”, states a notice published on the Federal Register. A public posting on the Register is a legal requirement for the DEA to place a substance on the list of Schedule I drugs.
“This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances for one of these substances 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine [and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine]”, continues the notice. “If finalized, this action would impose 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 these two specific controlled substances.”
The notice begins a required public comment period. Comments must be submitted electronically or postmarked on or before January 12, 2024.
The DEA made a similar attempt to ban these two substances last year, but eventually revoked the effort after a large outcry from from scientists and researchers, many who feel the substances could have medical value.
Last month the DEA proposed over doubling the amount of THC produced for research purposes in 2024. The agency also proposed doubling the production of psilocybin and psilocyn (“magic mushrooms”), and increasing the production of ibogaine by 400%.
Earlier this month the DEA sent a letter to pharmacies in Georgia who are currently selling medical marijuana products, or who have been approved by the state to do so in the near future, telling them that what they’re doing remains federally illegal while threatening them with legal action.
