Rule2026-00907
Definition of “Cannabimimetic Agents” and Assignment of an Administration Controlled Substances Code Number for All “Cannabimimetic Agents”
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 20, 2026
Effective
February 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Justice DepartmentDrug Enforcement Administration
Abstract
The Drug Enforcement Administration is publishing this final rule to amend its regulations related to "cannabimimetic agents" by including the term's definition, identifying 18 additional substances that meet the definition, and consolidating most existing administration controlled substances code numbers (drug codes) into a single drug code number for substances that meet this definition. The listing for two schedule I "cannabimimetic agents" that are under international control, JWH-018 and AM2201, are moved to the "hallucinogens" paragraph of schedule I but retain their existing drug codes to facilitate quota and international reporting requirements. While this final rule does not change the current and continuing schedule I status for the 18 additional substances meeting the definition of "cannabimimetic agents," these and other substances meeting this definition will be assigned a new administration controlled substances code number once this final rule becomes effective.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2297-2299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00907]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration
21 CFR Part 1308
[Docket No. DEA-368]
Definition of ``Cannabimimetic Agents'' and Assignment of an
Administration Controlled Substances Code Number for All
``Cannabimimetic Agents''
AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Drug Enforcement Administration is publishing this final
rule to amend its regulations related to ``cannabimimetic agents'' by
including the term's definition, identifying 18 additional substances
that meet the definition, and consolidating most existing
administration controlled substances code numbers (drug codes) into a
single drug code number for substances that meet this definition. The
listing for two schedule I ``cannabimimetic agents'' that are under
international control, JWH-018 and AM2201, are moved to the
``hallucinogens'' paragraph of schedule I but retain their existing
drug codes to facilitate quota and international reporting
requirements. While this final rule does not change the current and
continuing schedule I status for the 18 additional substances meeting
the definition of ``cannabimimetic agents,'' these and other substances
meeting this definition will be assigned a new administration
controlled substances code number once this final rule becomes
effective.
DATES: This final rule is effective February 19, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terrence L. Boos, Ph.D., Drug &
Chemical Evaluation Section, Diversion Control Division, Drug
Enforcement Administration; Telephone: (571) 362-3249.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background and Legal Authority
On July 9, 2012, the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012
(SDAPA), Public Law 112-144, Title XI, Subtitle D, became effective.
SDAPA amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by legislatively
placing ``cannabimimetic agents'' in schedule I.\1\ On January 4, 2013,
the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a final rule in the
Federal Register that added paragraph (g) to 21 CFR 1308.11 with the
title ``cannabimimetic agents,'' and assigned unique administration
controlled substances code numbers (drug codes) for 15 substances
included in SDAPA that met this definition.\2\
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\1\ Public Law 112-144, Title XI, Subtitle D, Section 1152; 21
U.S.C. 812(d).
\2\ Establishment of Drug Codes for 26 Substances, 78 FR 664
(Jan. 4, 2013).
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DEA later published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April
13, 2023, proposing to make technical, organizational, and conforming
amendments to 21 CFR 1308.11(g).\3\ This rulemaking finalizes that NPRM
by doing the following: (i) incorporating the structural and
pharmacological definition of ``cannabimimetic agents'' found in 21
U.S.C. 812(d) into 21 CFR 1308.11(g); (ii) listing 18 additional
substances that meet the structural and pharmacological definition of
``cannabimimetic agents'' in 21 CFR 1308.11(g); (iii) consolidating 13
of the 15 existing drug codes previously assigned to ``cannabimimetic
agents'' and establishing a single drug code for most substances that
meet this definition; and (iv) moving two substances (JWH-018 and
AM2201) from paragraph 21 CFR 1308.11(g) to 21 CFR 1308.11(d) but
retaining their existing drug codes (7118 and 7201, respectively) to
facilitate quota and international reporting requirements.
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\3\ Definition of ``Cannabimimetic Agents'' and Assignment of an
Administration Controlled Substances Code Number for All
``Cannabimimetic Agents,'' 88 FR 22388 (Apr. 13, 2023).
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The 18 additional substances that meet the structural and
pharmacological definition in accordance with SDAPA are: AM-1220; AM-
2233; EAM-2201; JWH-098; JWH-184; JWH-193; JWH-210; MAM-2201; JWH-007;
JWH-022; JWH-147; JWH-302; JWH-307; JWH-412; WIN 55,212-2; CP-55,940;
CP-47,497 C6 homolog; and CP-47,497 C9 homolog.
Further, the two substances that were originally listed in 21 CFR
1308.11(g)--JWH-018 and AM2201--are also listed in Schedule II of the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 (1971 Convention), Feb.
21, 1971, 32 U.S.T. 543, 1019 U.N.T.S. 175, as amended.\4\ To
facilitate reporting as required under Article 16 the 1971 Convention,
this final rule moves the listing for these two substances from 21 CFR
1308.11(g) to 21 CFR 1308.11(d), as discussed above. Because this final
rule assigns all substances in 21 CFR 1308.11(g) a single drug code,
these two substances are moved to maintain their existing drug codes
and allow DEA to continue collecting data that is then reported to the
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) on Form P.\5\
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\4\ On March 13, 2015, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs decided
to include JWH-018 and AM2201 in Schedule II of the Convention on
Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
\5\ The current form can be downloaded from the INCB website:
<a href="http://www.incb.org">www.incb.org</a>, under ``Psychotropic Substances'', Toolkit: ``Form
P''.
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Comments Received
As part of the NPRM published on April 13, 2023, DEA solicited
comments on the proposed changes. In response to the NPRM, DEA received
one comment seeking clarity regarding the movement of JWH-018 and
AM2201 from 21 CFR 1308.11(g) to 21 CFR 1308.11(d).
Comment: The one commenter stated that since JWH-018 and AM2201
will be moved to 21 CFR 1308.11(d), it should be made clear whether the
positional isomers of these two substances would be controlled by
definition as schedule I controlled substances.
DEA Response: The introductory text to 21 CFR 1308.11(d) provides
that a listed substance includes ``any of its salts, isomers, and salts
of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of
isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation,'' and
that the term ``isomer'' includes the optical, position[al], and
geometric isomers.\6\ The introductory text to 21 CFR 1308.11(g)
includes similar language, but without mention of positional isomers.
Upon the effective date of this final rule, JWH-018 and AM2201 will be
listed in 21 CFR 1308.11(d), and, therefore, any positional isomers of
JWH-018 and AM2201 will be defined as schedule I controlled substances.
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\6\ The term ``positional isomer'' is found at 21 CFR
1300.01(b), which cross-references the term ``positional isomer'' in
21 CFR 1308.11(d).
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Regulatory Analyses
Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 14192, and 14294
This regulation has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with
the principles of Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866, 13563, 14192 and
14294. This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section
3(f) of E.O. 12866. All of the substances listed in this final rule are
already listed or defined as controlled substances in the United States
under schedule I. In this final rule, DEA makes technical,
organizational, and conforming amendments to its regulations to
incorporate definitions found in 21 U.S.C. 812(d), list additional
``cannabimimetic agents'' that meet these definitions, and simplify
drug codes assigned to ``cannabimimetic agents.'' These changes only
apply to
[[Page 2298]]
substances that are already listed or defined as schedule I controlled
substances. Creating listings for these substances and modifying drug
codes does not alter the status of any of these substances as schedule
I controlled substances. DEA scheduling actions are not subject to
either E.O. 14192, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, or E.O.
14294, Fighting Overcriminalization in Federal Regulations.
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
This regulation meets the applicable standards set forth in
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988, to eliminate drafting errors
and ambiguity, minimize litigation, provide a clear legal standard for
affected conduct, and promote simplification and burden reduction.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
This rulemaking does not have federalism implications warranting
the application of E.O. 13132. The rule does not have substantial
direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the National
government and the states, or the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
This rule does not have tribal implications warranting the
application of E.O. 13175. It does not have substantial direct effects
on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal government and Indian tribes.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
This action does not impose a new collection of information
requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.\7\ This action
would not impose recordkeeping or reporting requirements on State or
local governments, individuals, businesses, or organizations. An agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to
a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
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\7\ 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.
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Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Administrator, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), has reviewed this rule, and by approving it,
certifies that it will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
DEA is making technical, organizational, and conforming amendments
to its regulations to incorporate definitions found in 21 U.S.C.
812(d), list additional ``cannabimimetic agents'' that meet these
definitions, and simplify drug codes assigned to ``cannabimimetic
agents.'' These changes only apply to substances that are already
listed or defined as schedule I controlled substances. This action does
not impose any new regulatory controls or new administrative, civil,
and/or criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled
substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse
distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional
activities or chemical analysis with, or possess), or propose to handle
``cannabimimetic agents.''
All handlers of ``cannabimimetic agents'' must already be
registered with DEA and have all security and other handling processes
in place. Therefore, DEA estimates the cost of this rule on any
affected small entity is minimal. Based on these factors, DEA projects
that this rule will not result in a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) of
1995,2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., DEA has determined and certifies that this
action would not result in any Federal mandate that may result ``in the
expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually
for inflation) in any 1 year . . . .'' Therefore, neither a Small
Government Agency Plan nor any other action is required under UMRA of
1995.
Congressional Review Act
This rule is not a major rule as defined by the Congressional
Review Act (CRA), 5 U.S.C. 804. However, pursuant to the CRA, DEA is
submitting a copy of this rule to both Houses of Congress and to the
Comptroller General.
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, DEA amends 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), 956(b), unless otherwise
noted.
0
2. In Sec. 1308.11:
0
a. Add paragraphs (d)(107) and (108);
0
b. Revise paragraphs (g) introductory text and (g)(1);
0
c. Remove and reserve paragraph (g)(2); and
0
d. Remove paragraphs (g)(3) through (g)(15).
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 1308.11 Schedule I.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
* * * * * * *
(107) 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-018 and AM678)......... 7118
(108) 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (AM2201).......... 7201
* * * * * * *
* * * * *
(g) Cannabimimetic agents. Unless specifically exempted or unless
listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or
preparation which contains any quantity of cannabimimetic agents, or
which contains their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the
existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible
within the specific chemical designation:
[[Page 2299]]
(1) Cannabimimetic agents........................................ 7000
(i) In this paragraph (g), cannabimimetic agent means any
substance that is a cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1
receptor) agonist as demonstrated by binding studies and
functional assays within any of the following structural
classes:
(A) 2-(3-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenol with substitution at
the 5-position of the phenolic ring by alkyl or alkenyl,
whether or not substituted on the cyclohexyl ring to any
extent.
(B) 3-(1-naphthoyl)indole or 3-(1-naphthylmethane)indole
by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring,
whether or not further substituted on the indole ring to
any extent, whether or not substituted on the naphthoyl
or naphthyl ring to any extent.
(C) 3-(1-naphthoyl)pyrrole by substitution at the
nitrogen atom of the pyrrole ring, whether or not
further substituted in the pyrrole ring to any extent,
whether or not substituted on the naphthoyl ring to any
extent.
(D) 1-(1-naphthylmethylene)indene by substitution of the
3-position of the indene ring, whether or not further
substituted in the indene ring to any extent, whether or
not substituted on the naphthyl ring to any extent.
(E) 3-phenylacetylindole or 3-benzoylindole by
substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring,
whether or not further substituted in the indole ring to
any extent, whether or not substituted on the phenyl
ring to any extent.
(ii) The definition of cannabimimetic agent in this paragraph
(g) includes, but is not limited to, the following
substances:
(A) 5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3-
hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol (CP-47,497);
(B) 5-(1,1-dimethyloctyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-
phenol (cannabicyclohexanol or CP-47,497 C8-homolog);
(C) 1-butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-073);
(D) 1-hexyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-019);
(E) 1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-
200);
(F) 1-pentyl-3-(2-methoxyphenylacetyl)indole (JWH-250);
(G) 1-pentyl-3-[1-(4-methoxynaphthoyl)]indole (JWH-081);
(H) 1-pentyl-3-(4-methyl-1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-122);
(I) 1-pentyl-3-(4-chloro-1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-398);
(J) 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-3-(2-iodobenzoyl)indole (AM694);
(K) 1-pentyl-3-[(4-methoxy)-benzoyl]indole (SR-19 and RCS-
4);
(L) 1-cyclohexylethyl-3-(2-methoxyphenylacetyl)indole (SR-
18 and RCS-8);
(M) 1-pentyl-3-(2-chlorophenylacetyl)indole (JWH-203);
(N) (1-((1-methylpiperidin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-indol-3-
yl)(naphthalen-1-yl)methanone (AM-1220);
(O) (2-iodophenyl)(1-((1-methylpiperidin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-
indol-3-yl)methanone (AM-2233);
(P) (4-ethylnaphthalen-1-yl)(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-
3-yl)methanone (EAM-2201);
(Q) (4-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)(2-methyl-1-pentyl-1H-indol-
3-yl)methanone (JWH-098);
(R) 3-((4-methylnaphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-1-pentyl-1H-
indole (JWH-184);
(S) (4-methylnaphthalen-1-yl)(1-(2-morpholinoethyl)-1H-
indol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-193);
(T) (4-ethylnaphthalen-1-yl)(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-
yl)methanone (JWH-210);
(U) (1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)(4-methylnaphthalen-
1-yl)methanone (MAM-2201);
(V) (2-methyl-1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(naphthalen-1-
yl)methanone (JWH-007);
(W) naphthalen-1-yl(1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H-indol-3-
yl)methanone (JWH-022);
(X) (1-hexyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)(naphthalen-1-
yl)methanone (JWH-147);
(Y) 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethan-1-
one (JWH-302);
(Z) (5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-pentyl-1H-pyrrol-3-
yl)(naphthalen-1-yl)methanone (JWH-307);
(AA) (4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-
yl)methanone (JWH-412);
(BB) (5-methyl-3-(morpholinomethyl)-2,3-dihydro-
[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-hi]indol-6-yl)(naphthalen-1-
yl)methanone (WIN 55,212-2);
(CC) 2-(5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexyl)-5-(2-
methyloctan-2-yl)phenol (CP-55,940);
(DD) 2-(3-hydroxycyclohexyl)-5-(2-methylheptan-2-
yl)phenol (CP-47,497 C6 homolog); and
(EE) 2-(3-hydroxycyclohexyl)-5-(2-methyldecan-2-yl)phenol
(CP-47,497 C9 homolog).
(2) [Reserved]...................................................
* * * * *
Signing Authority
This document of the Drug Enforcement Administration was signed on
January 13, 2026, by Administrator Terrance C. Cole. That document with
the original signature and date is maintained by DEA. For
administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of
the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DEA Federal
Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the
document in electronic format for publication, as an official document
of DEA. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect
of this document upon publication in the Federal Register.
Heather Achbach,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Drug Enforcement Administration.
[FR Doc. 2026-00907 Filed 1-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on January 20, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.