Who has the authority to place drugs into controlled substance schedules?

The authority to place drugs into controlled substance schedules primarily resides with the US Attorney General, who acts in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services. This process ensures that the scheduling of substances is based on medical and scientific evidence regarding their safety and potential for abuse.

The scheduling of drugs is a critical regulatory function under the Controlled Substances Act, and the Attorney General considers recommendations from the FDA and other public health agencies. While the FDA Commissioner and the DEA Administrator play key roles in the regulatory framework governing drugs, the final decision for the scheduling of a drug falls under the purview of the Attorney General. They establish the criteria for scheduling based on factors such as the drug's accepted medical use, potential for abuse, and safety profile, ensuring an organized approach to drug regulation and public health safety.