What agency is responsible for regulating controlled substances?

The agency responsible for regulating controlled substances is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA is a federal law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Justice that focuses specifically on enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. It is tasked with combating drug smuggling and use within the United States and regulates the manufacture and distribution of narcotics and other drugs that have the potential for abuse.

The DEA creates a scheduling system that classifies substances based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependency liability, helping to manage and monitor the use of these substances both legally and medically. This regulatory framework is critical for ensuring public safety and preventing drug abuse and addiction.

Other agencies, such as the FDA, play roles in approving medications for public use, while the CDC focuses on public health and disease control. The NIMH is primarily concerned with mental health research. However, none of these agencies have the specific jurisdiction over the regulation of controlled substances that the DEA does.