News
This is your hub for the latest updates on topics related to controlled substance regulation, prescription drug monitoring, policy developments, and organizational news. It is designed to keep you informed about key issues, emerging trends, and the important work being done by NASCSA and its members.
FDA Grants Exemptions to Small Dispensers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing exemptions from certain requirements of section 582 of the FD&C Act to small dispensers (e.g. pharmacies), and where applicable their trading partners, until November 27, 2027. This exemption allows time to...
New SAMHSA Publication: Current Research, Regulatory, and Policy Considerations Regarding Psychedelics as Medicine
September 26, 2026 - The Substance Abuse Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new publication: "Current Research, Regulatory, and Policy Considerations Regarding Psychedelics as Medicine". Psychedelic-assisted therapy is moving from research settings...
SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health
July 28, 2026 - Yesterday the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the nation’s primary source of data on how people living in the United States report their...
Training Available – Controlled Drug Prescribing: Essential Aspects of Investigation
Case Western Reserve University is offering an online class via Zoom "Controlled Drug Prescribing: Essential Aspects of Investigation" on December 10, 2026 that may be of interest that is targeted for Medical, Nursing and Pharmacy Board Investigators, Regulatory...
FDA Proposes Rule to Modernize Drug Manufacturing Registration
July 10, 2026 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would create a streamlined registration pathway for distributed manufacturing establishments that operate as a single establishment using a “hub-and-spoke” model....
On April 23, 2026, the US Department of Justice released an update to the scheduling of FDA-approved marijuana products and products containing marijuana to Schedule III with federal controls.
This link includes the formal press release - Office of Public Affairs | Justice Department Places FDA-Approved Marijuana Products and Products Containing Marijuana Subject to a Qualifying State-issued License in Schedule III, Strengthening Medical Research While...
DEA to Temporarily Schedule 7-OH and Related Substances to Protect Public Safety
July 1, 2026 - Yesterday the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration filed its intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitagynine (7-OH) and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Prior to DEA issuing this notice, the Department of...
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulation that governs disclosure of information to and querying of State prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs)
May 20, 2026 - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (Document Citation 91 FR 29407 [federalregister.gov]). The Summary Reads, “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulation that governs...
DEA To Hold Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing
The DEA will hold a hearing with respect to the proposed rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act beginning June 29, 2026. The hearing will begin on June 29, 2026, and will conclude not later than July 15, 2026. See Fed. Reg. Vol....
The Office of National Drug Control Policy today released the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy
May 4, 2026 - The Office of National Drug Control Policy today released the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy. The document includes a number of references to counterfeit drugs and online purchase of medications. To read/download the full report click here.