80_FR_55744 80 FR 55565 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of the Synthetic Cannabinoid MAB-CHMINACA Into Schedule I

80 FR 55565 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of the Synthetic Cannabinoid MAB-CHMINACA Into Schedule I

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 179 (September 16, 2015)

Page Range55565-55568
FR Document2015-23198

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to temporarily schedule the synthetic cannabinoid N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1- (cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (common names, MAB- CHMINACA and ADB-CHMINACA) into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of this synthetic cannabinoid into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Any final order will impose the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions and regulatory controls applicable to schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act on the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, exportation, research, and conduct of instructional activities of this synthetic cannabinoid.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55565-55568]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23198]



[[Page 55565]]

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

21 CFR Part 1308

[Docket No. DEA-421N]


Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of the 
Synthetic Cannabinoid MAB-CHMINACA Into Schedule I

AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is 
issuing this notice of intent to temporarily schedule the synthetic 
cannabinoid N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-
(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (common names, MAB-
CHMINACA and ADB-CHMINACA) into schedule I pursuant to the temporary 
scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is 
based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of this 
synthetic cannabinoid into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act 
is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Any 
final order will impose the administrative, civil, and criminal 
sanctions and regulatory controls applicable to schedule I controlled 
substances under the Controlled Substances Act on the manufacture, 
distribution, possession, importation, exportation, research, and 
conduct of instructional activities of this synthetic cannabinoid.

DATES: September 16, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John R. Scherbenske, Office of 
Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 
8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152; Telephone: (202) 
598-6812.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Any final order will be published in the 
Federal Register and may not be effective prior to October 16, 2015.

Legal Authority

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) implements and enforces 
titles II and III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and 
Control Act of 1970, as amended. Titles II and III are referred to as 
the ``Controlled Substances Act'' and the ``Controlled Substances 
Import and Export Act,'' respectively, and are collectively referred to 
as the ``Controlled Substances Act'' or the ``CSA'' for the purpose of 
this action. The DEA publishes the implementing regulations for these 
statutes in title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter 
II. The CSA and its implementing regulations are designed to prevent, 
detect, and eliminate the diversion of controlled substances and listed 
chemicals into the illicit market while ensuring an adequate supply is 
available for the legitimate medical, scientific, research, and 
industrial needs of the United States. Controlled substances have the 
potential for abuse and dependence and are controlled to protect the 
public health and safety.
    Under the CSA, every controlled substance is classified into one of 
five schedules based upon its potential for abuse, its currently 
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and the degree 
of dependence the drug or other substance may cause. 21 U.S.C. 812. The 
initial schedules of controlled substances established by Congress are 
found at 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and the current list of all scheduled 
substances is published at 21 CFR part 1308.
    Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811, provides the Attorney 
General with the authority to temporarily place a substance into 
schedule I of the CSA for two years without regard to the requirements 
of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if she finds that such action is necessary to avoid 
imminent hazard to the public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In addition, 
if proceedings to control a substance are initiated under 21 U.S.C. 
811(a)(1), the Attorney General may extend the temporary scheduling for 
up to one year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).
    Where the necessary findings are made, a substance may be 
temporarily scheduled if it is not listed in any other schedule under 
section 202 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no exemption or 
approval in effect for the substance under section 505 of the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C. 
811(h)(1). The Attorney General has delegated her scheduling authority 
under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the DEA. 28 CFR 0.100.

Background

    Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the 
Administrator to notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) of the Administrator's intention to temporarily 
place a substance into schedule I of the CSA.\1\ The Administrator 
transmitted notice of intent to place N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-
oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide 
(hereinafter referred to as MAB-CHMINACA) into schedule I on a 
temporary basis to the Assistant Secretary by letter dated May 14, 
2015. The Assistant Secretary responded to this notice by letter dated 
June 3, 2015, and advised that based on review by the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA), there are currently no investigational new drug 
applications or approved new drug applications for MAB-CHMINACA. The 
Assistant Secretary also stated that HHS has no objection to the 
temporary placement of MAB-CHMINACA into schedule I of the CSA. The DEA 
has taken into consideration the Assistant Secretary's comments. MAB-
CHMINACA is not currently listed in any schedule under the CSA, and no 
exemptions or approvals are in effect for MAB-CHMINACA under section 
505 of the FDCA, 21 U.S.C. 355. The DEA has found that the control of 
MAB-CHMINACA in schedule I on a temporary basis is necessary to avoid 
an imminent hazard to public safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Because the Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the 
Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the authority to make 
domestic drug scheduling recommendations, for purposes of this 
notice of intent, all subsequent references to ``Secretary'' have 
been replaced with ``Assistant Secretary.'' As set forth in a 
memorandum of understanding entered into by the HHS, the Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute on Drug Abuse 
(NIDA), the FDA acts as the lead agency within the HHS in carrying 
out the Assistant Secretary's scheduling responsibilities under the 
CSA, with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985.
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    To find that placing a substance temporarily into schedule I of the 
CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety, the 
Administrator is required to consider three of the eight factors set 
forth in section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(c): the substance's 
history and current pattern of abuse; the scope, duration and 
significance of abuse; and what, if any, risk there is to the public 
health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3). Consideration of these factors includes 
actual abuse, diversion from legitimate channels, and clandestine 
importation, manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
    A substance meeting the statutory requirements for temporary 
scheduling may only be placed in schedule I. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). 
Substances in schedule I are those that have a high potential for 
abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United 
States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical 
supervision. 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1).

MAB-CHMINACA

    Available data and information for MAB-CHMINACA, summarized below,

[[Page 55566]]

indicate that this synthetic cannabinoid (SC) has a high potential for 
abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United 
States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical 
supervision. The DEA analysis is available in its entirety under the 
tab ``Supporting and Related Material'' of the public docket of this 
action at www.regulations.gov under Docket Number DEA-421N.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

    Synthetic cannabinoids are substances synthesized in laboratories 
that mimic the biological effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol 
(THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It is believed 
SCs were first introduced on the designer drug market in several 
European countries as ``herbal incense'' before the initial encounter 
in the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 
November 2008. From 2009 to present, misuse of SCs has increased in the 
United States with law enforcement encounters describing plant material 
laced with SCs intended for human consumption. It has been demonstrated 
that the substances and the associated designer products are abused for 
their psychoactive properties. With many generations of SCs being 
encountered since 2009, MAB-CHMINACA is one of the latest, and based 
upon reports from public health and law enforcement, the misuse and 
abuse of this substance is negatively impacting the public health and 
communities.
    The designer drug products laced with SCs, including MAB-CHMINACA, 
are often sold under the guise of ``herbal incense'' or ``potpourri,'' 
use various product names, and are routinely labeled ``not for human 
consumption.'' Additionally, these products are marketed as a ``legal 
high'' or ``legal alternative to marijuana'' and are readily available 
over the Internet, in head shops, or sold in convenience stores. There 
is an incorrect assumption that these products are safe, and that 
labeling these products as ``not for human consumption'' is a legal 
defense to criminal prosecution.
    MAB-CHMINACA is a SC that has pharmacological effects similar to 
the schedule I hallucinogen THC and other temporarily and permanently 
controlled schedule I substances. MAB-CHMINACA has been shown to cause 
severe toxicity and adverse health effects following ingestion, 
including seizures, excited delirium, cardiotoxicity and death. With no 
approved medical use and limited safety or toxicological information, 
MAB-CHMINACA has emerged on the illicit drug market and is being abused 
for its psychoactive properties.

Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of Abuse

    SCs have been developed over the last 30 years as tools for 
investigating the cannabinoid system. SCs were first encountered by CBP 
within the United States in November 2008. Since then, the popularity 
of SCs and their associated products has increased steadily as 
evidenced by law enforcement seizures, public health information, and 
media reports. Amidst multiple administrative and legislative actions 
to place SCs found on the illicit market into schedule I of the CSA, 
new versions of SCs intended to circumvent current law continue to be 
encountered. MAB-CHMINACA is a SC that was encountered following the 
hospitalization of 125 individuals around the Baton Rouge, Louisiana 
area in October 2014 (see factor 6 of supporting materials). Since that 
time, multiple overdoses and deaths involving MAB-CHMINACA have been 
reported. For example, overdose clusters attributed to MAB-CHMINACA 
have been reported in Shreveport, Louisiana; Bryan, Texas; Beaumont, 
Texas; multiple cities in the State of Mississippi; Hampton, Virginia; 
and Hagerstown, Maryland (see factor 6 of supporting materials). 
Specifically, in April 2015, the largest nationwide outbreak involving 
SCs was reported by multiple news outlets. In addition, State public 
health entities have collectively reported over 2,000 overdoses and at 
least 33 deaths across at least 11 States attributed to the misuse of 
SCs. Of these overdoses and deaths, currently available toxicology 
results have determined that a number of overdoses from this most 
recent cluster were connected to ingestion of MAB-CHMINACA (see factor 
6 of supporting materials).
    On April 29, 2015, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and 
Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported multiple outbreaks of intoxications 
within the United States resulting from the ingestion of products 
believed to contain SCs. EMCDDA further reported that MAB-CHMINACA had 
been implicated in at least some of those cases. EMCDDA also reported 
on two deaths involving MAB-CHMINACA, one in Hungary and the other in 
Japan.
    A major concern, as reiterated by public health officials and 
medical professionals, remains the targeting and direct marketing of 
SCs and SC-containing products to adolescents and youth. This is 
supported by law enforcement encounters and reports from emergency 
departments: however, all age groups have been reported by the media as 
abusing these substances and related products. Individuals, including 
minors, are purchasing SCs from the Internet, gas stations, convenience 
stores, and head shops.
    Smoking mixtures of these substances for the purpose of achieving 
intoxication have resulted in numerous emergency department visits and 
calls to poison control centers. As reported by the American 
Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), adverse effects 
including severe agitation, anxiety, racing heartbeat, high blood 
pressure, nausea, vomiting, seizures, tremors, intense hallucinations, 
psychotic episodes, suicide, and other harmful thoughts and/or actions 
can occur following ingestion of SCs. Presentations at emergency 
departments directly linked to the abuse of MAB-CHMINACA have resulted 
in similar symptoms, including severe agitation, seizures and/or death 
(see factor 6).
    As discussed previously, it is believed most abusers of SCs or SC-
related products smoke the product following application to plant 
material. Until recently, this was the preferred route of 
administration. Law enforcement has also begun to encounter new 
variations of SCs in liquid form. It is believed abusers have been 
applying the liquid to hookahs or ``e-cigarettes,'' which allows the 
user to administer a vaporized liquid that can be inhaled.

Factor 5. Scope, Duration and Significance of Abuse

    Following multiple scheduling actions designed to safeguard the 
public from the adverse effects and safety issues associated with SCs, 
encounters by law enforcement and health care professionals indicate 
the continued abuse of these substances and their associated products. 
With each action to control SCs, drug manufacturers and suppliers are 
adapting at an alarmingly quick pace to design new SCs that circumvent 
regulatory controls. Even before DEA temporarily controlled the latest 
group of SCs, AB-CHMINACA, AB-PINACA, and THJ-2201, on January 30, 
2015, MAB-CHMINACA was already available on the illicit market and 
responsible for overdoses and deaths (see factor 6 of supporting 
materials). From October 2014 to the present, multiple overdoses and 
deaths have been attributed to the abuse of MAB-CHMINACA.
    On October 29, 2014, the State of Louisiana issued an emergency 
rule adding N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-
(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (MAB-

[[Page 55567]]

CHMINACA) to the list of schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances 
section of the Louisiana Administrative Code (La. Admin. Code tit. 46, 
section 2704 (2014)), upon the determination that it had a high 
potential for abuse and should be scheduled as a controlled substance 
to avoid an imminent peril to the public health, safety, and welfare.
    Poison control centers continue to report the abuse of SCs and 
their associated products. These substances remain a threat to both the 
short- and long-term public health and safety. Exposures to SCs were 
first reported to the AAPCC in 2011. The most alarming report via the 
AAPCC was published on April 23, 2015. The AAPCC reported a dramatic 
spike in poison center exposure calls throughout the United States in 
2015. The AAPCC reported 1,512 exposure calls in April 2015, 
representing an almost three-fold increase in exposures to SCs as 
compared to the previous largest monthly tally (657 exposures in 
January 2012) since reporting began in 2011. It is likely that many of 
the calls are directly attributable to the abuse of MAB-CHMINACA based 
on its high prevalence in drug seizure reports and specimen test 
reports (see factor 6 and table 3 of supporting materials). Further, 
exposure calls to the AAPCC from within the first five months of 2015 
(January 1 to June 1) are greater than the total exposure calls 
involving SCs from all of 2014. In addition, a majority of exposure 
incidents from 2011 to the present resulted in individuals seeking 
medical attention at health care facilities.
    The following information regarding MAB-CHMINACA was obtained 
through NFLIS \2\ (queried on May 27, 2015):
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    \2\ National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a 
national drug forensic laboratory reporting system that 
systematically collects results from drug chemistry analyses 
conducted by state and local forensic laboratories in the United 
States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    MAB-CHMINACA: NFLIS-451 reports; first encountered in September 
2014; locations include Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, 
Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to the Public Health

    MAB-CHMINACA was identified in a cluster of 125 subjects that 
presented to emergency facilities within the Baton Rouge and 
Shreveport, Louisiana areas in October 2014. On October 29, 2014, the 
Louisiana Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals announced 
the addition of MAB-CHMINACA into schedule I of the Controlled 
Dangerous Substances section of the Louisiana Administrative Code (La. 
Admin. Code tit. 46, section 2704 (2014)). From October 2014 to the 
present, multiple clusters of overdoses involving MAB-CHMINACA and at 
least four deaths attributed to the misuse and abuse of MAB-CHMINACA 
have been reported. (see factor 6 and table 3 of supporting materials). 
Adverse health effects reported from use of MAB-CHMINACA have included: 
seizures, coma, severe agitation, loss of motor control, loss of 
consciousness, difficulty breathing, altered mental status, and 
convulsions that in some cases resulted in death.
    Since abusers obtain these drugs through unknown sources, the 
identity, purity, and quantity of these substances is uncertain and 
inconsistent, thus posing significant adverse health risks to users. 
The SCs encountered on the illicit drug market have no accepted medical 
use within the United States. Regardless, SC products continue to be 
easily available and abused by diverse populations. Unknown factors 
including detailed product analysis and dosage variations between 
various packages and batches present a significant danger to an abusing 
individual. Designer drug products have been found to vary in the 
amount and type of SC that plant material is laced with, which could be 
one explanation for the numerous emergency department admissions that 
have been connected to these substances. Similar to previous SCs, MAB-
CHMINACA has been found on plant material.

Finding of Necessity of Schedule I Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard 
to Public Safety

    Based on the data and information summarized above, the continued 
uncontrolled manufacture, distribution, importation, exportation, and 
abuse of MAB-CHMINACA poses an imminent hazard to the public safety. 
The DEA is not aware of any currently accepted medical uses for MAB-
CHMINACA in the United States. A substance meeting the statutory 
requirements for temporary scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may only be 
placed in schedule I. Substances in schedule I are those that have a 
high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in 
treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use 
under medical supervision. Available data and information for MAB-
CHMINACA indicate that this substance has a high potential for abuse, 
no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, 
and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. As 
required by section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the DEA, 
through a letter dated May 14, 2015, notified the Assistant Secretary 
of the DEA's intention to temporarily this substance in schedule I.

Conclusion

    This notice of intent initiates an expedited temporary scheduling 
action and provides the 30-day notice pursuant to section 201(h) of the 
CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h). In accordance with the provisions of section 
201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Administrator considered 
available data and information, herein set forth the grounds for his 
determination that it is necessary to temporarily schedule MAB-CHMINACA 
in schedule I of the CSA, and finds that placement of this SC into 
schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the 
public safety.
    Because the Administrator hereby finds that it is necessary to 
temporarily place this SC into schedule I to avoid an imminent hazard 
to the public safety, any subsequent final order temporarily scheduling 
these substances will be effective on the date of publication in the 
Federal Register, and will be in effect for a period of two years, with 
a possible extension of one additional year, pending completion of the 
regular (permanent) scheduling process. 21 U.S.C. 811(h) (1) and (2). 
It is the intention of the Administrator to issue such a final order as 
soon as possible after the expiration of 30 days from the date of 
publication of this document. MAB-CHMINACA will then be subject to the 
regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions 
applicable to the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, 
exportation, research, and conduct of instructional activities of a 
schedule I controlled substance.
    The CSA sets forth specific criteria for scheduling a drug or other 
substance. Regular scheduling actions in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
811(a) are subject to formal rulemaking procedures done ``on the record 
after opportunity for a hearing'' conducted pursuant to the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557. 21 U.S.C. 811. The regular scheduling process 
of formal rulemaking affords interested parties with appropriate 
process and the government with any additional relevant information 
needed to make a determination. Final decisions that conclude the 
regular scheduling process of formal rulemaking are subject to judicial 
review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary

[[Page 55568]]

scheduling orders are not subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 
811(h)(6).

Regulatory Matters

    Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), provides for an 
expedited temporary scheduling action where such action is necessary to 
avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As provided in this 
subsection, the Attorney General may, by order, schedule a substance in 
schedule I on a temporary basis. Such an order may not be issued before 
the expiration of 30 days from (1) the publication of a notice in the 
Federal Register of the intention to issue such order and the grounds 
upon which such order is to be issued, and (2) the date that notice of 
the proposed temporary scheduling order is transmitted to the Assistant 
Secretary. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).
    Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the CSA directs that temporary 
scheduling actions be issued by order and sets forth the procedures by 
which such orders are to be issued, the DEA believes that the notice 
and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) at 5 
U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this notice of intent. In the alternative, 
even assuming that this notice of intent might be subject to section 5 
U.S.C. 553, the Administrator finds that there is good cause to forgo 
the notice and comment requirements of section 553, as any further 
delays in the process for issuance of temporary scheduling orders would 
be impracticable and contrary to the public interest in view of the 
manifest urgency to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety.
    Although the DEA believes this notice of intent to issue a 
temporary scheduling order is not subject to the notice and comment 
requirements of the APA, the DEA notes that in accordance with 21 
U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the Administrator will take into consideration any 
comments submitted by the Assistant Secretary with regard to the 
proposed temporary scheduling order.
    Further, the DEA believes that this temporary scheduling action is 
not a ``rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2), and, accordingly, is not 
subject to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The 
requirements for the preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are not applicable where, as here, the DEA 
is not required by the APA or any other law to publish a general notice 
of proposed rulemaking.
    Additionally, this action is not a significant regulatory action as 
defined by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), 
section 3(f), and, accordingly, this action has not been reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget.
    This action will not have substantial direct effects on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 
13132 (Federalism), it is determined that this action does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set out above, the DEA proposes to amend 21 CFR 
part 1308 as follows:

PART 1308--SCHEDULES OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

0
1. The authority citation for part 1308 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b), unless otherwise noted.

0
2. In Sec.  1308.11, add paragraph (h)(25) to read as follows:


Sec.  1308.11  Schedule I.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (25) N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-
1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, its optical, positional, and geometric 
isomers, salts and salts of isomers--7032 (Other names: MAB-CHMINACA; 
ADB-CHMINACA)

    Dated: September 10, 2015.
Chuck Rosenberg,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-23198 Filed 9-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-09-P



                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 179 / Wednesday, September 16, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                  55565

                                                      DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                   regulations for these statutes in title 21             The Administrator transmitted notice of
                                                                                                              of the Code of Federal Regulations                     intent to place N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-
                                                      Drug Enforcement Administration                         (CFR), chapter II. The CSA and its                     1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-
                                                                                                              implementing regulations are designed                  1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (hereinafter
                                                      21 CFR Part 1308                                        to prevent, detect, and eliminate the                  referred to as MAB–CHMINACA) into
                                                      [Docket No. DEA–421N]
                                                                                                              diversion of controlled substances and                 schedule I on a temporary basis to the
                                                                                                              listed chemicals into the illicit market               Assistant Secretary by letter dated May
                                                      Schedules of Controlled Substances:                     while ensuring an adequate supply is                   14, 2015. The Assistant Secretary
                                                      Temporary Placement of the Synthetic                    available for the legitimate medical,                  responded to this notice by letter dated
                                                      Cannabinoid MAB–CHMINACA Into                           scientific, research, and industrial needs             June 3, 2015, and advised that based on
                                                      Schedule I                                              of the United States. Controlled                       review by the Food and Drug
                                                                                                              substances have the potential for abuse                Administration (FDA), there are
                                                      AGENCY: Drug Enforcement                                and dependence and are controlled to                   currently no investigational new drug
                                                      Administration, Department of Justice.                  protect the public health and safety.                  applications or approved new drug
                                                      ACTION: Notice of intent.                                  Under the CSA, every controlled                     applications for MAB–CHMINACA. The
                                                                                                              substance is classified into one of five               Assistant Secretary also stated that HHS
                                                      SUMMARY:   The Administrator of the Drug                schedules based upon its potential for                 has no objection to the temporary
                                                      Enforcement Administration is issuing                   abuse, its currently accepted medical                  placement of MAB–CHMINACA into
                                                      this notice of intent to temporarily                    use in treatment in the United States,                 schedule I of the CSA. The DEA has
                                                      schedule the synthetic cannabinoid N-                   and the degree of dependence the drug                  taken into consideration the Assistant
                                                      (1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-                 or other substance may cause. 21 U.S.C.                Secretary’s comments. MAB–
                                                      1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-                     812. The initial schedules of controlled               CHMINACA is not currently listed in
                                                      carboxamide (common names, MAB–                         substances established by Congress are                 any schedule under the CSA, and no
                                                      CHMINACA and ADB–CHMINACA)                              found at 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and the                     exemptions or approvals are in effect for
                                                      into schedule I pursuant to the                         current list of all scheduled substances               MAB–CHMINACA under section 505 of
                                                      temporary scheduling provisions of the                  is published at 21 CFR part 1308.                      the FDCA, 21 U.S.C. 355. The DEA has
                                                      Controlled Substances Act. This action                     Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811,              found that the control of MAB–
                                                      is based on a finding by the                            provides the Attorney General with the                 CHMINACA in schedule I on a
                                                      Administrator that the placement of this                authority to temporarily place a                       temporary basis is necessary to avoid an
                                                      synthetic cannabinoid into schedule I of                substance into schedule I of the CSA for               imminent hazard to public safety.
                                                      the Controlled Substances Act is                        two years without regard to the                           To find that placing a substance
                                                      necessary to avoid an imminent hazard                   requirements of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if she                temporarily into schedule I of the CSA
                                                      to the public safety. Any final order will              finds that such action is necessary to                 is necessary to avoid an imminent
                                                      impose the administrative, civil, and                   avoid imminent hazard to the public                    hazard to the public safety, the
                                                      criminal sanctions and regulatory                       safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In addition,              Administrator is required to consider
                                                      controls applicable to schedule I                       if proceedings to control a substance are              three of the eight factors set forth in
                                                      controlled substances under the                         initiated under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the               section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                      Controlled Substances Act on the                        Attorney General may extend the                        811(c): the substance’s history and
                                                      manufacture, distribution, possession,                  temporary scheduling for up to one                     current pattern of abuse; the scope,
                                                      importation, exportation, research, and                 year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).                             duration and significance of abuse; and
                                                      conduct of instructional activities of this                Where the necessary findings are                    what, if any, risk there is to the public
                                                      synthetic cannabinoid.                                  made, a substance may be temporarily                   health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
                                                      DATES: September 16, 2015.
                                                                                                              scheduled if it is not listed in any other             Consideration of these factors includes
                                                                                                              schedule under section 202 of the CSA,                 actual abuse, diversion from legitimate
                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
                                                                                                              21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no                       channels, and clandestine importation,
                                                      R. Scherbenske, Office of Diversion                     exemption or approval in effect for the
                                                      Control, Drug Enforcement                                                                                      manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C.
                                                                                                              substance under section 505 of the                     811(h)(3).
                                                      Administration; Mailing Address: 8701                   Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
                                                      Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia                                                                          A substance meeting the statutory
                                                                                                              (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C.                       requirements for temporary scheduling
                                                      22152; Telephone: (202) 598–6812.                       811(h)(1). The Attorney General has                    may only be placed in schedule I. 21
                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Any final                    delegated her scheduling authority                     U.S.C. 811(h)(1). Substances in schedule
                                                      order will be published in the Federal                  under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the                             I are those that have a high potential for
                                                      Register and may not be effective prior                 Administrator of the DEA. 28 CFR                       abuse, no currently accepted medical
                                                      to October 16, 2015.                                    0.100.                                                 use in treatment in the United States,
                                                      Legal Authority                                         Background                                             and a lack of accepted safety for use
                                                         The Drug Enforcement                                                                                        under medical supervision. 21 U.S.C.
                                                                                                                Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21
                                                      Administration (DEA) implements and                                                                            812(b)(1).
                                                                                                              U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the
                                                      enforces titles II and III of the                       Administrator to notify the Secretary of               MAB–CHMINACA
                                                      Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention                     the Department of Health and Human
asabaliauskas on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                                      Available data and information for
                                                      and Control Act of 1970, as amended.                    Services (HHS) of the Administrator’s                  MAB–CHMINACA, summarized below,
                                                      Titles II and III are referred to as the                intention to temporarily place a
                                                      ‘‘Controlled Substances Act’’ and the                   substance into schedule I of the CSA.1                 set forth in a memorandum of understanding
                                                      ‘‘Controlled Substances Import and                                                                             entered into by the HHS, the Food and Drug
                                                      Export Act,’’ respectively, and are                       1 Because the Secretary of the HHS has delegated     Administration (FDA), and the National Institute on
                                                      collectively referred to as the                         to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the   Drug Abuse (NIDA), the FDA acts as the lead agency
                                                                                                              authority to make domestic drug scheduling             within the HHS in carrying out the Assistant
                                                      ‘‘Controlled Substances Act’’ or the                    recommendations, for purposes of this notice of        Secretary’s scheduling responsibilities under the
                                                      ‘‘CSA’’ for the purpose of this action.                 intent, all subsequent references to ‘‘Secretary’’     CSA, with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518,
                                                      The DEA publishes the implementing                      have been replaced with ‘‘Assistant Secretary.’’ As    Mar. 8, 1985.



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                                                      55566             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 179 / Wednesday, September 16, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      indicate that this synthetic cannabinoid                drug market and is being abused for its               from emergency departments: however,
                                                      (SC) has a high potential for abuse, no                 psychoactive properties.                              all age groups have been reported by the
                                                      currently accepted medical use in                                                                             media as abusing these substances and
                                                                                                              Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of
                                                      treatment in the United States, and a                                                                         related products. Individuals, including
                                                                                                              Abuse
                                                      lack of accepted safety for use under                                                                         minors, are purchasing SCs from the
                                                      medical supervision. The DEA analysis                      SCs have been developed over the last              Internet, gas stations, convenience
                                                      is available in its entirety under the tab              30 years as tools for investigating the               stores, and head shops.
                                                      ‘‘Supporting and Related Material’’ of                  cannabinoid system. SCs were first                       Smoking mixtures of these substances
                                                      the public docket of this action at                     encountered by CBP within the United                  for the purpose of achieving
                                                      www.regulations.gov under Docket                        States in November 2008. Since then,                  intoxication have resulted in numerous
                                                      Number DEA–421N.                                        the popularity of SCs and their                       emergency department visits and calls
                                                                                                              associated products has increased                     to poison control centers. As reported
                                                      Synthetic Cannabinoids                                  steadily as evidenced by law                          by the American Association of Poison
                                                         Synthetic cannabinoids are                           enforcement seizures, public health                   Control Centers (AAPCC), adverse
                                                      substances synthesized in laboratories                  information, and media reports. Amidst                effects including severe agitation,
                                                      that mimic the biological effects of                    multiple administrative and legislative               anxiety, racing heartbeat, high blood
                                                      delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the                 actions to place SCs found on the illicit             pressure, nausea, vomiting, seizures,
                                                      main psychoactive ingredient in                         market into schedule I of the CSA, new                tremors, intense hallucinations,
                                                      marijuana. It is believed SCs were first                versions of SCs intended to circumvent                psychotic episodes, suicide, and other
                                                      introduced on the designer drug market                  current law continue to be encountered.               harmful thoughts and/or actions can
                                                      in several European countries as ‘‘herbal               MAB–CHMINACA is a SC that was                         occur following ingestion of SCs.
                                                      incense’’ before the initial encounter in               encountered following the                             Presentations at emergency departments
                                                      the United States by U.S. Customs and                   hospitalization of 125 individuals                    directly linked to the abuse of MAB–
                                                      Border Protection (CBP) in November                     around the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area                CHMINACA have resulted in similar
                                                      2008. From 2009 to present, misuse of                   in October 2014 (see factor 6 of                      symptoms, including severe agitation,
                                                      SCs has increased in the United States                  supporting materials). Since that time,               seizures and/or death (see factor 6).
                                                      with law enforcement encounters                         multiple overdoses and deaths                            As discussed previously, it is believed
                                                      describing plant material laced with SCs                involving MAB–CHMINACA have been                      most abusers of SCs or SC-related
                                                      intended for human consumption. It has                  reported. For example, overdose clusters              products smoke the product following
                                                      been demonstrated that the substances                   attributed to MAB–CHMINACA have                       application to plant material. Until
                                                      and the associated designer products are                been reported in Shreveport, Louisiana;               recently, this was the preferred route of
                                                      abused for their psychoactive                           Bryan, Texas; Beaumont, Texas;                        administration. Law enforcement has
                                                      properties. With many generations of                    multiple cities in the State of                       also begun to encounter new variations
                                                      SCs being encountered since 2009,                       Mississippi; Hampton, Virginia; and                   of SCs in liquid form. It is believed
                                                      MAB–CHMINACA is one of the latest,                      Hagerstown, Maryland (see factor 6 of                 abusers have been applying the liquid to
                                                      and based upon reports from public                      supporting materials). Specifically, in               hookahs or ‘‘e-cigarettes,’’ which allows
                                                      health and law enforcement, the misuse                  April 2015, the largest nationwide                    the user to administer a vaporized
                                                      and abuse of this substance is negatively               outbreak involving SCs was reported by                liquid that can be inhaled.
                                                      impacting the public health and                         multiple news outlets. In addition, State
                                                                                                                                                                    Factor 5. Scope, Duration and
                                                      communities.                                            public health entities have collectively
                                                         The designer drug products laced                                                                           Significance of Abuse
                                                                                                              reported over 2,000 overdoses and at
                                                      with SCs, including MAB–CHMINACA,                       least 33 deaths across at least 11 States                Following multiple scheduling
                                                      are often sold under the guise of ‘‘herbal              attributed to the misuse of SCs. Of these             actions designed to safeguard the public
                                                      incense’’ or ‘‘potpourri,’’ use various                 overdoses and deaths, currently                       from the adverse effects and safety
                                                      product names, and are routinely                        available toxicology results have                     issues associated with SCs, encounters
                                                      labeled ‘‘not for human consumption.’’                  determined that a number of overdoses                 by law enforcement and health care
                                                      Additionally, these products are                        from this most recent cluster were                    professionals indicate the continued
                                                      marketed as a ‘‘legal high’’ or ‘‘legal                 connected to ingestion of MAB–                        abuse of these substances and their
                                                      alternative to marijuana’’ and are readily              CHMINACA (see factor 6 of supporting                  associated products. With each action to
                                                      available over the Internet, in head                    materials).                                           control SCs, drug manufacturers and
                                                      shops, or sold in convenience stores.                      On April 29, 2015, the European                    suppliers are adapting at an alarmingly
                                                      There is an incorrect assumption that                   Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug                  quick pace to design new SCs that
                                                      these products are safe, and that                       Addiction (EMCDDA) reported multiple                  circumvent regulatory controls. Even
                                                      labeling these products as ‘‘not for                    outbreaks of intoxications within the                 before DEA temporarily controlled the
                                                      human consumption’’ is a legal defense                  United States resulting from the                      latest group of SCs, AB–CHMINACA,
                                                      to criminal prosecution.                                ingestion of products believed to                     AB–PINACA, and THJ–2201, on January
                                                         MAB–CHMINACA is a SC that has                        contain SCs. EMCDDA further reported                  30, 2015, MAB–CHMINACA was
                                                      pharmacological effects similar to the                  that MAB–CHMINACA had been                            already available on the illicit market
                                                      schedule I hallucinogen THC and other                   implicated in at least some of those                  and responsible for overdoses and
                                                      temporarily and permanently controlled                  cases. EMCDDA also reported on two                    deaths (see factor 6 of supporting
asabaliauskas on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      schedule I substances. MAB–                             deaths involving MAB–CHMINACA,                        materials). From October 2014 to the
                                                      CHMINACA has been shown to cause                        one in Hungary and the other in Japan.                present, multiple overdoses and deaths
                                                      severe toxicity and adverse health                         A major concern, as reiterated by                  have been attributed to the abuse of
                                                      effects following ingestion, including                  public health officials and medical                   MAB–CHMINACA.
                                                      seizures, excited delirium,                             professionals, remains the targeting and                 On October 29, 2014, the State of
                                                      cardiotoxicity and death. With no                       direct marketing of SCs and SC-                       Louisiana issued an emergency rule
                                                      approved medical use and limited safety                 containing products to adolescents and                adding N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-
                                                      or toxicological information, MAB–                      youth. This is supported by law                       oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-
                                                      CHMINACA has emerged on the illicit                     enforcement encounters and reports                    1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (MAB–


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 179 / Wednesday, September 16, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           55567

                                                      CHMINACA) to the list of schedule I                     CHMINACA into schedule I of the                       safety for use under medical
                                                      Controlled Dangerous Substances                         Controlled Dangerous Substances                       supervision. As required by section
                                                      section of the Louisiana Administrative                 section of the Louisiana Administrative               201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                      Code (La. Admin. Code tit. 46, section                  Code (La. Admin. Code tit. 46, section                811(h)(4), the DEA, through a letter
                                                      2704 (2014)), upon the determination                    2704 (2014)). From October 2014 to the                dated May 14, 2015, notified the
                                                      that it had a high potential for abuse and              present, multiple clusters of overdoses               Assistant Secretary of the DEA’s
                                                      should be scheduled as a controlled                     involving MAB–CHMINACA and at                         intention to temporarily this substance
                                                      substance to avoid an imminent peril to                 least four deaths attributed to the                   in schedule I.
                                                      the public health, safety, and welfare.                 misuse and abuse of MAB–CHMINACA
                                                         Poison control centers continue to                                                                         Conclusion
                                                                                                              have been reported. (see factor 6 and
                                                      report the abuse of SCs and their                       table 3 of supporting materials). Adverse                This notice of intent initiates an
                                                      associated products. These substances                   health effects reported from use of                   expedited temporary scheduling action
                                                      remain a threat to both the short- and                  MAB–CHMINACA have included:                           and provides the 30-day notice pursuant
                                                      long-term public health and safety.                     seizures, coma, severe agitation, loss of             to section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                      Exposures to SCs were first reported to                 motor control, loss of consciousness,                 811(h). In accordance with the
                                                      the AAPCC in 2011. The most alarming                    difficulty breathing, altered mental                  provisions of section 201(h) of the CSA,
                                                      report via the AAPCC was published on                   status, and convulsions that in some                  21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Administrator
                                                      April 23, 2015. The AAPCC reported a                    cases resulted in death.                              considered available data and
                                                      dramatic spike in poison center                            Since abusers obtain these drugs                   information, herein set forth the
                                                      exposure calls throughout the United                    through unknown sources, the identity,                grounds for his determination that it is
                                                      States in 2015. The AAPCC reported                      purity, and quantity of these substances              necessary to temporarily schedule
                                                      1,512 exposure calls in April 2015,                     is uncertain and inconsistent, thus                   MAB–CHMINACA in schedule I of the
                                                      representing an almost three-fold                       posing significant adverse health risks               CSA, and finds that placement of this
                                                      increase in exposures to SCs as                         to users. The SCs encountered on the                  SC into schedule I of the CSA is
                                                      compared to the previous largest                        illicit drug market have no accepted                  necessary to avoid an imminent hazard
                                                      monthly tally (657 exposures in January                 medical use within the United States.                 to the public safety.
                                                      2012) since reporting began in 2011. It                 Regardless, SC products continue to be                   Because the Administrator hereby
                                                      is likely that many of the calls are                    easily available and abused by diverse                finds that it is necessary to temporarily
                                                      directly attributable to the abuse of                   populations. Unknown factors including                place this SC into schedule I to avoid an
                                                      MAB–CHMINACA based on its high                          detailed product analysis and dosage                  imminent hazard to the public safety,
                                                      prevalence in drug seizure reports and                  variations between various packages                   any subsequent final order temporarily
                                                      specimen test reports (see factor 6 and                 and batches present a significant danger              scheduling these substances will be
                                                      table 3 of supporting materials). Further,              to an abusing individual. Designer drug               effective on the date of publication in
                                                      exposure calls to the AAPCC from                        products have been found to vary in the               the Federal Register, and will be in
                                                      within the first five months of 2015                    amount and type of SC that plant                      effect for a period of two years, with a
                                                      (January 1 to June 1) are greater than the              material is laced with, which could be                possible extension of one additional
                                                      total exposure calls involving SCs from                 one explanation for the numerous                      year, pending completion of the regular
                                                      all of 2014. In addition, a majority of                 emergency department admissions that                  (permanent) scheduling process. 21
                                                      exposure incidents from 2011 to the                     have been connected to these                          U.S.C. 811(h) (1) and (2). It is the
                                                      present resulted in individuals seeking                 substances. Similar to previous SCs,                  intention of the Administrator to issue
                                                      medical attention at health care                        MAB–CHMINACA has been found on                        such a final order as soon as possible
                                                      facilities.                                             plant material.                                       after the expiration of 30 days from the
                                                         The following information regarding                                                                        date of publication of this document.
                                                                                                              Finding of Necessity of Schedule I                    MAB–CHMINACA will then be subject
                                                      MAB–CHMINACA was obtained
                                                                                                              Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard                    to the regulatory controls and
                                                      through NFLIS 2 (queried on May 27,                     to Public Safety
                                                      2015):                                                                                                        administrative, civil, and criminal
                                                         MAB–CHMINACA: NFLIS–451                                Based on the data and information                   sanctions applicable to the manufacture,
                                                      reports; first encountered in September                 summarized above, the continued                       distribution, possession, importation,
                                                      2014; locations include Arkansas,                       uncontrolled manufacture, distribution,               exportation, research, and conduct of
                                                      Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri,                   importation, exportation, and abuse of                instructional activities of a schedule I
                                                      Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and                          MAB–CHMINACA poses an imminent                        controlled substance.
                                                      Wisconsin.                                              hazard to the public safety. The DEA is                  The CSA sets forth specific criteria for
                                                                                                              not aware of any currently accepted                   scheduling a drug or other substance.
                                                      Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to                medical uses for MAB–CHMINACA in                      Regular scheduling actions in
                                                      the Public Health                                       the United States. A substance meeting                accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(a) are
                                                        MAB–CHMINACA was identified in a                      the statutory requirements for temporary              subject to formal rulemaking procedures
                                                      cluster of 125 subjects that presented to               scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may                  done ‘‘on the record after opportunity
                                                      emergency facilities within the Baton                   only be placed in schedule I. Substances              for a hearing’’ conducted pursuant to
                                                      Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana areas                   in schedule I are those that have a high              the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557.
                                                      in October 2014. On October 29, 2014,                   potential for abuse, no currently                     21 U.S.C. 811. The regular scheduling
asabaliauskas on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      the Louisiana Secretary of the                          accepted medical use in treatment in the              process of formal rulemaking affords
                                                      Department of Health and Hospitals                      United States, and a lack of accepted                 interested parties with appropriate
                                                      announced the addition of MAB–                          safety for use under medical                          process and the government with any
                                                                                                              supervision. Available data and                       additional relevant information needed
                                                        2 National Forensic Laboratory Information            information for MAB–CHMINACA                          to make a determination. Final
                                                      System (NFLIS) is a national drug forensic              indicate that this substance has a high               decisions that conclude the regular
                                                      laboratory reporting system that systematically
                                                      collects results from drug chemistry analyses
                                                                                                              potential for abuse, no currently                     scheduling process of formal
                                                      conducted by state and local forensic laboratories      accepted medical use in treatment in the              rulemaking are subject to judicial
                                                      in the United States.                                   United States, and a lack of accepted                 review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary


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                                                      55568             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 179 / Wednesday, September 16, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      scheduling orders are not subject to                    accordingly, this action has not been                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking;
                                                      judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(6).                   reviewed by the Office of Management                  notice of proposed rulemaking by cross-
                                                                                                              and Budget.                                           reference to temporary regulation.
                                                      Regulatory Matters
                                                                                                                This action will not have substantial
                                                         Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.                 direct effects on the States, on the                  SUMMARY:   This document contains
                                                      811(h), provides for an expedited                       relationship between the national                     proposed regulations relating to certain
                                                      temporary scheduling action where                       government and the States, or on the                  transfers of property by United States
                                                      such action is necessary to avoid an                    distribution of power and                             persons to foreign corporations. The
                                                      imminent hazard to the public safety.                   responsibilities among the various                    proposed regulations affect United
                                                      As provided in this subsection, the                     levels of government. Therefore, in                   States persons that transfer certain
                                                      Attorney General may, by order,                         accordance with Executive Order 13132                 property, including foreign goodwill
                                                      schedule a substance in schedule I on a                 (Federalism), it is determined that this              and going concern value, to foreign
                                                      temporary basis. Such an order may not                  action does not have sufficient                       corporations in nonrecognition
                                                      be issued before the expiration of 30                   federalism implications to warrant the                transactions described in section 367 of
                                                      days from (1) the publication of a notice               preparation of a Federalism Assessment.               the Internal Revenue Code (Code). The
                                                      in the Federal Register of the intention                                                                      proposed regulations also combine
                                                      to issue such order and the grounds                     List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308                  portions of the existing regulations
                                                      upon which such order is to be issued,                    Administrative practice and                         under section 367(a) into a single
                                                      and (2) the date that notice of the                     procedure, Drug traffic control,                      regulation. In addition, in the Rules and
                                                      proposed temporary scheduling order is                  Reporting and recordkeeping                           Regulations section of this issue of the
                                                      transmitted to the Assistant Secretary.                 requirements.                                         Federal Register, temporary regulations
                                                      21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).                                                                                          are being issued under section 482 to
                                                         Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the                      For the reasons set out above, the DEA
                                                                                                              proposes to amend 21 CFR part 1308 as                 clarify the coordination of the transfer
                                                      CSA directs that temporary scheduling                                                                         pricing rules with other Code
                                                      actions be issued by order and sets forth               follows:
                                                                                                                                                                    provisions. The text of those temporary
                                                      the procedures by which such orders are                 PART 1308—SCHEDULES OF                                regulations serves as the text of a
                                                      to be issued, the DEA believes that the                 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES                                 portion of these proposed regulations.
                                                      notice and comment requirements of the                                                                        DATES: Written or electronic comments
                                                      Administrative Procedure Act (APA) at                   ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1308             and requests for a public hearing must
                                                      5 U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this notice               continues to read as follows:                         be received by December 15, 2015.
                                                      of intent. In the alternative, even
                                                                                                                Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b),              ADDRESSES: Send submissions to:
                                                      assuming that this notice of intent might
                                                                                                              unless otherwise noted.                               CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–139483–13),
                                                      be subject to section 5 U.S.C. 553, the
                                                                                                              ■ 2. In § 1308.11, add paragraph (h)(25)              Internal Revenue Service, Room 5203,
                                                      Administrator finds that there is good
                                                                                                              to read as follows:                                   P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station,
                                                      cause to forgo the notice and comment
                                                                                                                                                                    Washington, DC 20044. Submissions
                                                      requirements of section 553, as any
                                                                                                              § 1308.11    Schedule I.                              may be hand-delivered Monday through
                                                      further delays in the process for
                                                                                                              *     *     *    *    *                               Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and
                                                      issuance of temporary scheduling orders
                                                                                                                (h) * * *                                           4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–139483–
                                                      would be impracticable and contrary to
                                                                                                                (25) N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-                     13), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue
                                                      the public interest in view of the
                                                                                                              oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-                  Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW.,
                                                      manifest urgency to avoid an imminent
                                                                                                              1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, its optical,               Washington, DC 20224; or sent
                                                      hazard to the public safety.
                                                         Although the DEA believes this notice                positional, and geometric isomers, salts              electronically via the Federal
                                                      of intent to issue a temporary                          and salts of isomers—7032 (Other                      eRulemaking Portal at http://
                                                      scheduling order is not subject to the                  names: MAB–CHMINACA; ADB–                             www.regulations.gov (IRS REG–139483–
                                                      notice and comment requirements of the                  CHMINACA)                                             13).
                                                      APA, the DEA notes that in accordance                     Dated: September 10, 2015.                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                      with 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the                           Chuck Rosenberg,
                                                                                                                                                                    Concerning the proposed regulations,
                                                      Administrator will take into                                                                                  Ryan A. Bowen, (202) 317–6937;
                                                                                                              Acting Administrator.
                                                      consideration any comments submitted                                                                          concerning submissions of comments or
                                                                                                              [FR Doc. 2015–23198 Filed 9–15–15; 8:45 am]
                                                      by the Assistant Secretary with regard to                                                                     requests for a public hearing, Regina
                                                                                                              BILLING CODE 4410–09–P                                Johnson, (202) 317–6901 (not toll-free
                                                      the proposed temporary scheduling
                                                      order.                                                                                                        numbers).
                                                         Further, the DEA believes that this                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                      temporary scheduling action is not a                    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
                                                      ‘‘rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2),                                                                       Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                      and, accordingly, is not subject to the                 Internal Revenue Service                                The collections of information
                                                      requirements of the Regulatory                                                                                contained in the regulations have been
                                                      Flexibility Act. The requirements for the               26 CFR Part 1                                         submitted for review and approved by
                                                      preparation of an initial regulatory                                                                          the Office of Management and Budget in
asabaliauskas on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are             [REG–139483–13]                                       accordance with the Paperwork
                                                      not applicable where, as here, the DEA                                                                        Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507
                                                      is not required by the APA or any other                                                                       (d)) under control number 1545–0026.
                                                                                                              RIN 1545–BL87                                           The collections of information are in
                                                      law to publish a general notice of
                                                      proposed rulemaking.                                    Treatment of Certain Transfers of                     § 1.6038B–1(c)(4) and (d)(1). The
                                                         Additionally, this action is not a                   Property to Foreign Corporations                      collections of information are
                                                      significant regulatory action as defined                                                                      mandatory. The likely respondents are
                                                      by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory                    AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS),               domestic corporations. Burdens
                                                      Planning and Review), section 3(f), and,                Treasury.                                             associated with these requirements will


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Document Created: 2018-02-26 10:16:42
Document Modified: 2018-02-26 10:16:42
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of intent.
DatesSeptember 16, 2015.
ContactJohn R. Scherbenske, Office of
FR Citation80 FR 55565 
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Drug Traffic Control and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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