DEA Places 4-Chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act
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On November 17, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a final rule in the Federal Register. This rule adds 4-Chloromethcathinone (also known as 4-CMC, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one) to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
4-CMC and its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers will now be subject to the same strict rules as other Schedule I drugs.
Why Is 4-CMC Being Scheduled?
The United States is part of an international agreement called the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This agreement asks countries to control certain drugs that might be abused.
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs made a decision in 2020 to control 4-CMC. The U.S. must now control it too.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DEA both did reports on 4-CMC. They reviewed scientific and medical information and decided 4-CMC should be placed in Schedule I.
What Is 4-CMC?
4-CMC is a central nervous system stimulant. It is similar to other drugs like amphetamine, methamphetamine, and synthetic cathinones (such as 4-MEC and 4-FMC).
What Does Schedule I Mean?
Drugs in Schedule I:
- Have a high potential for abuse.
- Have no currently accepted medical use in the United States.
- Lack safe use even under medical supervision.
HHS confirmed that 4-CMC has no medical use and is not an approved medicine. No healthcare experts in the U.S. accept it for treatment. There is not enough information about its safety.
Public Comments
When the DEA first announced this idea, people could give comments or ask for a hearing. One person commented against the scheduling, saying it could stop possible medical research.
DEA replied that placing 4-CMC in Schedule I does not stop research. Researchers can apply for special permission to study Schedule I drugs.
Rules for Handling 4-CMC
Starting December 17, 2025:
- Anyone who makes, sells, gives out, imports, exports, studies, uses, or owns 4-CMC must register with the DEA.
- Anyone who does not register cannot handle 4-CMC.
- People who have 4-CMC but do not want to register must give their 4-CMC to someone registered or dispose of it properly.
- 4-CMC must be stored safely according to strict rules.
- Labels and packaging must follow the law.
- Only certain manufacturers can make 4-CMC, and they need DEA-approved quotas.
- DEA registrants must keep records and take inventories of 4-CMC.
- Reports must be sent to the DEA as required.
- Special order forms are needed to distribute 4-CMC.
- All importing and exporting 4-CMC must follow DEA regulations.
- Doing anything not allowed by DEA rules is illegal and can lead to punishment.
Other Information
This rule will not have a big economic effect on small businesses. There are no major government costs or big paperwork burdens. The rule will not change relationships between the U.S. government and state, local, or tribal governments.
Listed in the Federal Register
4-CMC is now officially listed in Schedule I as follows:
“4-Chloromethcathinone (4-CMC, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one)” with code number 1239.
Key Dates
- Rule published: November 17, 2025
- Effective date: December 17, 2025
Contact for Questions
Dr. Terrence L. Boos
Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section
Diversion Control Division, DEA
Telephone: (571) 362-3249
Signed by:
Terrance Cole, Administrator, DEA
Heather Achbach, Federal Register Liaison Officer, DEA
Legal Disclaimer
This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.
