Which governmental body is involved in the scheduling of new drugs?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the governmental body responsible for the scheduling of new drugs. This agency plays a critical role in regulating controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. When new drugs are developed, the DEA evaluates their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety. Based on this assessment, drugs are classified into schedules ranging from Schedule I (high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use) to Schedule V (low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses). This scheduling process is essential for ensuring public safety and managing how substances are handled legally.

Other entities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are involved in the approval and monitoring of drugs for safety and efficacy but do not determine their scheduling. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) primarily focuses on biomedical research and does not have the authority to schedule drugs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is concerned with public health issues, including disease control and prevention, and does not engage in drug scheduling.