Which agency regulates the Controlled Substance Act?

The agency that regulates the Controlled Substance Act is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Controlled Substances Act, enacted in 1970, establishes the legal framework for the regulation of drugs that have the potential for abuse and dependence. The DEA is responsible for enforcing the provisions of this act, including the classification of drugs into schedules based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability.

The DEA manages the registration of persons and entities that handle controlled substances, including manufacturers, distributors, and medical practitioners, ensuring that all controlled substances are used and handled in compliance with the law. This agency plays a crucial role in the prevention of illegal drug trafficking and abuse by monitoring and regulating controlled substances.

Other agencies listed—such as the FDA, which focuses on the safety and efficacy of drugs; the CDC, which is concerned with public health and disease control; and NIDA, a research organization focused on drug abuse and addiction—do not have primary regulatory authority over the Controlled Substance Act like the DEA does. This distinction underscores the specific mission and responsibility of the DEA in relation to controlled substances.