Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Three Synthetic Cannabinoids Into Schedule I

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this final order to temporarily schedule three synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The substances are: (1) N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H- indazole-3-carboxamide ("AB-CHMINACA"); (2) N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1- oxobutan-2-yl)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide ("AB-PINACA"); and (3) [1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl](naphthalen-1-yl)methanone ("THJ-2201"). This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of these synthetic cannabinoids and their optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts, and salts of isomers into schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As a result of this order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances will be imposed on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research, or possess), or propose to handle these SCs.