# AM Policy Update: DEA Synthetic Opioids Schedule I Placement > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/dea-synthetic-opioids-schedule-i-march-17-2026/ > **Published:** 2026-03-17T02:38:09-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:06:16-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the DEA synthetic opioids schedule I placement update from March 17, 2026, detailing regulatory changes impacting controlled substances. --- AM Policy UpdateMarch 17, 2026. 20 regulatory items from Federal Register, regulations.gov, and regulatory RSS feeds. Score 85Federal Register [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/16/2026-05064/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-bromazolam-in-schedule-i) The DEA temporarily placed bromazolam, a benzodiazepine analog, in Schedule I due to abuse potential, addressing illicit drug supply concerns unrelated to [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/) regulation. [Read more →](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/16/2026-05064/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-bromazolam-in-schedule-i)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Butonitazene, Flunitazene, and Metodesnitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0011) # Regulatory Summary The DEA placed three synthetic opioids (butonitazene, flunitazene, and metodesnitazene) into Schedule I, establishing they have no accepted medical use and high abuse potential. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0011)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Ethylphenidate in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0013) The DEA placed ethylphenidate, a synthetic stimulant, in Schedule I, establishing it as a controlled substance with no accepted medical use, relevant to cannabis medicine as precedent for scheduling novel psychoactive substances. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0013)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0118-0001) The DEA temporarily placed N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene in Schedule I, classifying these synthetic opioids as controlled substances with no accepted medical use. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0118-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov [Importer of Controlled-Biopharmaceutical(2024-20085)DEA1425](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0112-0001) # Regulatory Summary DEA Form 1425 (2024-20085) authorizes importation of controlled biopharmaceuticals, including cannabis-derived medicines, establishing compliance requirements for pharmaceutical entities importing Schedule I-V substances. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0112-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of N-Desethyl Isotonitazene and N-Piperidinyl Etonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0147-0003) The DEA temporarily placed two synthetic opioids (N-Desethyl Isotonitazene and N-Piperidinyl Etonitazene) in Schedule I, addressing emerging drugs of abuse unrelated to cannabis medicine regulation. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0147-0003)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Marijuana](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0059-0001) # Regulatory Summary The DEA initiated rescheduling proceedings for marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, evaluating its medical utility and abuse potential to potentially modify its Schedule I classification and regulatory status. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0059-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Etodesnitazene, N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene, and Protonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0006) The DEA placed three synthetic opioids (etodesnitazene, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, and protonitazene) into Schedule I, restricting their availability and establishing they have no accepted medical use, relevant to cannabis medicine regulation frameworks. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0006)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Butonitazene, Flunitazene, and Metodesnitazene Substances in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0007) The DEA placed three synthetic opioids (butonitazene, flunitazene, metodesnitazene) in Schedule I, establishing they have no accepted medical use, which may indirectly affect [cannabis medicine research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-neuromuscular-communication-benefits/) by limiting opioid alternatives in pain management studies. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0007)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 2-Methyl AP-237 in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0026-0001) The DEA placed 2-Methyl AP-237, a synthetic opioid analog, into Schedule I, establishing it as a controlled substance with no accepted medical use, relevant to cannabis medicine regulation through parallel scheduling frameworks. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0026-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0168-0001) # Regulatory Summary The DEA placed synthetic amphetamines (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine) into Schedule I, prohibiting their use and establishing regulatory precedent for controlling novel psychoactive substances. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0168-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of MDMB–4en–PINACA, 4F–MDMB–BUTICA, ADB–4en–PINACA, CUMYL–PEGACLONE, 5F–EDMB–PICA, and MMB–FUBICA into Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0049-0004) The DEA temporarily placed six synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I, restricting their manufacture, distribution, and possession to address emerging drugs of abuse with cannabis-like effects. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0049-0004)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Ethylphenidate in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0001) The DEA placed ethylphenidate, a synthetic stimulant, in Schedule I, establishing it as having no accepted medical use and high abuse potential, affecting regulatory frameworks for controlled substance classification. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0129-0001)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Metonitazene in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0005) The DEA placed metonitazene, a synthetic opioid, in Schedule I due to abuse potential and lack of accepted medical use, establishing strict controls on this substance. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2021-0031-0005)Score 85Regulations.gov [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement ofEtizolam, Flualprazolam, Clonazolam, Flubromazolam, and Diclazepam in Schedule I](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2022-0145-0004) The DEA temporarily placed five benzodiazrazepine analogs (etizolam, flualprazolam, clonazolam, flubromazolam, diclazepam) into Schedule I, restricting their legal availability and affecting cannabis medicine research utilizing benzodiazepine-based formulations. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2022-0145-0004)Score 85Regulations.gov [Importer of Controlled Substances Application Biopharmaceutical Research Company – DEA1224](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0096-0001) # Regulatory Summary A biopharmaceutical research company applied for DEA authorization to import controlled substances, including cannabis-derived materials, for medicinal research and development purposes. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0096-0001)Score 70Regulations.gov [Importer of Controlled-Bright Green(2024-20083)DEA1426](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0111-0001) # Regulatory Summary DEA approval for controlled substance importation (2024-20083) establishes licensing requirements for entities importing cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals, ensuring compliance with federal scheduling and manufacturing standards. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0111-0001)Score 70Regulations.gov [Importer of Controlled-Cambridge Isotope(2024-20082)DEA1429](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0110-0001) # Regulatory Summary DEA registration 2024-20082 authorizes Cambridge Isotope as a controlled substance importer, enabling legal procurement of regulated cannabis-related materials for research, pharmaceutical development, or analytical purposes. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2024-0110-0001)Score 70Regulations.gov [Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Calendar Year 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; etc.](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0045) # Regulatory Summary CMS updated 2025 payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule for Medicare and Medicaid Part B services, potentially affecting reimbursement for cannabis-related medical evaluations and treatments. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0045)Score 70Regulations.gov [Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1807-P)](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0001) # Regulatory Summary CMS proposed updates to Medicare/Medicaid Part B payment policies and coverage for CY 2025, with potential implications for cannabis-derived medical products’ reimbursement eligibility and payment determinations under federal healthcare programs. [Read more →](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2024-0256-0001) Clinical Commentary Dr. Caplan’s Take # Clinical Reflection As a physician practicing cannabis medicine, I note that of these 20 policy items, only item 7 directly addresses cannabis scheduling, while the remaining 19 focus on synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and novel psychoactive substances that represent a distinct [public health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-mold-contamination-risks-recall-safety/) crisis. The DEA’s apparent prioritization of scheduling novel synthetic drugs over cannabis rescheduling suggests the regulatory landscape for cannabis medicine will continue to evolve independently of broader controlled substance policy, requiring me to stay current with federal rescheduling developments while simultaneously managing patients in this transitional period. This bifurcation underscores that cannabis medicine advancement depends less on sweeping controlled substance reforms and more on targeted evidence generation, state-level regulatory maturation, and deliberate [clinical research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-therapies-smoking-cessation/) within existing legal frameworks. Drug SchedulingControlled SubstancesDrug EnforcementSubstance Abuse PreventionRegulatory Policy 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/ask-dr-caplan/) Have thoughts on this? 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Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Etodesnitazene, N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene, and Protonitazene in Schedule I](https://cedclinic.com/schedules-controlled-substances-placement-schedule-i/) Detailed analysis of the DEA's placement of novel synthetic opioids into Schedule I, relevant to ongoing regulatory developments. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/schedules-controlled-substances-placement-schedule-i/) [Policy Watch: 27 Regulatory Updates — March 16, 2026](https://cedclinic.com/dea-temporary-schedule-i-placement-march-16-2026/) Comprehensive review of 27 regulatory updates including controlled substances and synthetic opioid scheduling. [Explore Updates](https://cedclinic.com/dea-temporary-schedule-i-placement-march-16-2026/) [Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Butonitazene, Flunitazene, and Metodesnitazene Substances in Schedule I](https://cedclinic.com/scheduling-novel-synthetic-opioids-schedule-i/) Insight into the DEA's scheduling of synthetic opioids and implications for [medical research](https://cedclinic.com/cb2-receptor-agonist-parkinsons/) and regulatory policy. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/scheduling-novel-synthetic-opioids-schedule-i/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).