What federal agency is primarily responsible for regulating controlled substances?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the federal agency specifically tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. This includes the scheduling of drugs, which categorizes substances based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependency risk. The DEA administers and enforces the Controlled Substances Act, working to prevent drug abuse and trafficking. It is involved in both the regulation and the enforcement aspects related to narcotics and dangerous drugs, making it the primary authority in this area.

In contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency focuses on protecting human health and the environment, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation handles a broader mandate related to federal law enforcement and national security. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention primarily focuses on public health issues, including disease control and prevention, but does not directly regulate controlled substances. The clear distinction of the DEA’s explicit role in drug regulation underscores its importance in maintaining a structured and lawful system regarding controlled substances.