Exemption From Import and Export Requirements for Personal Medical Use; Interpretation Regarding Effect of State Law and Federal Laws

Current DEA regulations provide an exemption from certain provisions of the Controlled Substances Import Export Act (CSIEA) regarding personal use quantities of certain controlled substances. DEA is amending the language of the exemption to incorporate an existing provision that controlled substances for personal use may be imported only to the extent that such importation is authorized or permitted under other Federal laws or state law. Recent occurrences have demonstrated that the exemption is being improperly promoted and used as a means to import controlled substances for abuse purposes in violation of other Federal laws and state law. This action will prevent misinterpretation of the circumstances under which the exemption applies.