DEA renews effort to place five psychedelic tryptamines in Schedule I as FDA research progress draws criticism from advocates

The DEA has formally renewed its effort to classify five currently unscheduled psychedelic tryptamines as Schedule I substances: 4-OH-DiPT, 5-MeO-AMT, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-MeO-DET, and DiPT. The filing follows a withdrawn 2022 scheduling attempt and comes shortly after an FDA hearing highlighting the potential medical utility of psychedelics. Critics argue that the DEA's evidence does not establish a substantial public health threat: the agency cites 518 law-enforcement encounters without specifying the time period, and 65 poison-center exposure cases recorded over 18 years, with no deaths from single-substance exposures. The filing also acknowledges that the FDA is unaware of diversion from legitimate research or manufacturing. Advocates say the proposal could obstruct scientific progress, particularly because Reunion Neurosciences is developing a 4-OH-DiPT candidate for postpartum depression that has received FDA breakthrough therapy designation. The dispute reflects tension between federal agencies over psychedelic research and drug scheduling.