Certain drugs and controlled substances (i.e. narcotics) are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Researchers who desire to work with these substances must secure permission from the DEA. The DEA regulations require that licensed researchers have a separate DEA registration for each location where controlled substances are received, stored or used. For more information please refer to UH MAPP Policies - 06 Safety - for Clinical and Research Use of Controlled Substances and Dangerous Drugs.

Controlling Drugs Or Other Substances Through Formal Scheduling

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) places all substances which were in some manner regulated under existing federal law into one of five schedules. This placement is based upon the substance’s medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability. The Act also provides a mechanism for substances to be controlled (added to or transferred between schedules) or decontrolled (removed from control). The procedure for these actions is found in Section 201 of the Act (21U.S.C. §811).

Visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for more information on drug scheduling.