The bill now goes to the president for his signature. The new classification would mean fentanyl could not be prescribed by a physician.
The Senate passed a bill on March 14 that would reclassify fentanyl as a Schedule I narcotic, pulling it from medical use and toughening penalties for those charged with criminal offenses related to the drug.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), passed 84–16 on Friday, sending it to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
The HALT Fentanyl Act categorizes any fentanyl-related substances, which include any chemical or compound that is structurally or molecularly related to the highly addictive synthetic opioid, as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, ecstasy, and LSD, are substances that are deemed to have no medical use and can be subject to a high abuse potential.
Notably, Schedule I drugs “may not be prescribed, dispensed, or administered” by physicians, according to the National Institutes of Health, which means fentanyl will be pulled from medical use in the United States if Trump signs the bill.
Fentanyl is currently a Schedule II narcotic, defined as “drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” These drugs are also considered dangerous but can be prescribed by medical doctors.
Fentanyl is typically prescribed to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain after surgery, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which says, “under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, fentanyl has a legitimate medical use.” Patients must be regularly monitored for potential misuse or abuse.
There are five scheduling categories under the Controlled Substances Act, with the lowest having the smallest potential for abuse, including certain cough medications.
Schedule I substances also come with steeper criminal penalties, with those convicted of such offenses sometimes getting up to 40 years in prison on a first offense, or more if deaths or serious injuries are involved.
The House also overwhelmingly passed its version of the bill in February.
While the legislation allows for fentanyl research to continue by relevant federal agencies and institutions receiving funding from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, there are restrictions.
By Jacob Burg
