Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 10 Synthetic Cathinones into Schedule I, 4429-4433 [2014-01172]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 18 / Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules (ii) Reviewing the programs and policies of the Bank designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies, and monitoring the results of these compliance efforts; (8) Review the policies and procedures established by senior management to assess and monitor implementation of the Bank’s strategic business plan and the operating goals and objectives contained therein; and (9) Report periodically its findings to the Bank’s board of directors. (f) Meetings. The audit committee shall prepare written minutes of each audit committee meeting. § 1239.34 Dividends. A Bank’s board of directors may not declare or pay a dividend based on projected or anticipated earnings and may not declare or pay a dividend if the par value of the Bank’s stock is impaired or is projected to become impaired after paying such dividend. CHAPTER XVII—OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Subchapter C—Safety and Soundness PART 1710—[REMOVED] ■ 6. Remove part 1710. PART 1720—[REMOVED] ■ 7. Remove part 1720. Dated: January 15, 2014. Melvin L. Watt, Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency. [FR Doc. 2014–01173 Filed 1–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8070–01–P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration 21 CFR Part 1308 [Docket No. DEA–386] Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 10 Synthetic Cathinones into Schedule I Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. ACTION: Notice of Intent. ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 AGENCY: The Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this notice of intent to temporarily schedule 10 synthetic cathinones into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The 10 substances are: (1) 4-methyl-Nethylcathinone (‘‘4-MEC’’); (2) 4-methyl- SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Jan 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (‘‘4MePPP’’); (3) alphapyrrolidinopentiophenone (‘‘a-PVP’’); (4) 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(methylamino)butan-1-one (‘‘butylone’’); (5) 2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1one (‘‘pentedrone’’); (6) 1-(1,3benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(methylamino)pentan-1-one (‘‘pentylone’’); (7) 4-fluoro-Nmethylcathinone (‘‘4-FMC’’); (8) 3fluoro-N-methylcathinone (‘‘3-FMC’’); (9) 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1yl)pentan-1-one (‘‘naphyrone’’); and (10) alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (‘‘aPBP’’). This action is based on a finding by the Deputy Administrator that the placement of these synthetic cathinones into schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Any final order will be published in the Federal Register and may not be effective prior to February 27, 2014. Any final order will impose the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions and regulatory controls applicable to schedule I substances under the CSA on the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, exportation, research, and conduct of instructional activities of these synthetic cathinones. DATES: January 28, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth A. Carter, Acting Chief, Policy Evaluation and Analysis Section, Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152, Telephone (202) 598–6812. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811, provides the Attorney General with the authority to temporarily place a substance into schedule I of the CSA for two years without regard to the requirements of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if he finds that such action is necessary to avoid imminent hazard to the public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h). In addition, if proceedings to control a substance are initiated under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the Attorney General may extend the temporary scheduling for up to one year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2). Where the necessary findings are made, a substance may be temporarily scheduled if it is not listed in any other schedule under section 202 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no exemption or approval in effect for the substance under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1); 21 CFR part 1308. The Attorney General has delegated his PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 4429 authority under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the DEA, who in turn has delegated her authority to the Deputy Administrator of the DEA. 28 CFR 0.100, 0.104, Appendix to Subpart R of Part 0, Sec. 12. Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA (21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4)) requires the Deputy Administrator to notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of his intention to temporarily place a substance into schedule I of the CSA.1 As 4-MEC, 4MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP are not currently listed in any schedule under the CSA, the DEA believes that the conditions of 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1) have been satisfied. Any comments submitted by the Assistant Secretary in response to the notice transmitted to the Assistant Secretary on November 7, 2013, shall be taken into consideration before a final order is published. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4). To make a finding that placing a substance temporarily into schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety, the Deputy Administrator is required to consider three of the eight factors set forth in section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(c): the substance’s history and current pattern of abuse; the scope, duration, and significance of abuse; and what, if any, risk there is to the public health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3). Consideration of these factors includes actual abuse, diversion from legitimate channels, and clandestine importation, manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3). A substance meeting the statutory requirements for temporary scheduling may only be placed in schedule I. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). Substances in schedule I are those that have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1). Available data and information for 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, aPVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP indicate that these 10 synthetic 1 Because the Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the authority to make domestic drug scheduling recommendations, for purposes of this Notice of Intent, all subsequent references to ‘‘Secretary’’ have been replaced with ‘‘Assistant Secretary.’’ As set forth in a memorandum of understanding entered into by HHS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), FDA acts as the lead agency within HHS in carrying out the Assistant Secretary’s scheduling responsibilities under the CSA, with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985. E:\FR\FM\28JAP1.SGM 28JAP1 4430 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 18 / Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 cathinones have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Synthetic Cathinones Synthetic cathinones are b-ketophenethylamine derivatives of the larger phenethylamine structural class (amphetamines, cathinones, 2C compounds, aminoindanes, etc.). Synthetic cathinones share a core phenethylamine structure with substitutions at the b-position, aposition, phenyl ring, or nitrogen atom. The addition of a beta-keto (b-keto) substituent (i.e., carbonyl (C=O)) to the phenethylamine core structure along with substitutions on the alpha (a) carbon (C) atom or the nitrogen (N) atom produce a variety of substances called cathinones or synthetic cathinones. Many synthetic cathinones produce pharmacological effects substantially similar to the schedule I substances cathinone, methcathinone, and 3,4methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and schedule II stimulants amphetamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP are synthetic cathinones and are structurally and pharmacologically similar to amphetamine, MDMA, cathinone, and other related substances. Accordingly, these synthetic cathinone substances share substantial similarities with schedule I and schedule II substances, including similarities with respect to desired and adverse effects. In general, desired effects reported by abusers of synthetic cathinone substances include euphoria, sense of well-being, increased sociability, energy, empathy, increased alertness, and improved concentration and focus. Abusers also report experiencing unwanted effects such as tremor, vomiting, agitation, sweating, fever, and chest pain. Other adverse or toxic effects that have been reported with the abuse of synthetic cathinones include tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, mydriasis, rhabdomyolysis, hyponatremia, seizures, altered mental status (paranoia, hallucinations, delusions), and even death. These synthetic cathinone substances have no known medical use in the United States but evidence demonstrates that these substances are being abused by individuals. There have been documented reports of emergency room admissions and deaths associated with the abuse of synthetic cathinone substances. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Jan 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 Products that contain synthetic cathinones have been falsely marketed as ‘‘research chemicals,’’ ‘‘plant fertilizer,’’ ‘‘jewelry cleaner,’’ ‘‘stain remover,’’ ‘‘plant food or fertilizer,’’ ‘‘insect repellants,’’ or ‘‘bath salts.’’ These products are sold at smoke shops, head shops, convenience stores, adult book stores, and gas stations and can also be purchased on the Internet. These substances are commonly encountered in the form of powders, crystals, resins, tablets, and capsules. From January 2010 through November 2013, according to the System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence 2 (STRIDE) data, there are 374 exhibits for 4-MEC; 122 exhibits for 4MePPP; 659 exhibits for a-PVP; 74 exhibits for butylone; 288 exhibits for pentedrone; 119 exhibits for pentylone; 37 exhibits for FMC 3; 22 exhibits for naphyrone; and 37 exhibits for a-PBP. From January 2010 through November 2013, the National Forensic Laboratory Information System 4 (NFLIS) registered 8,807 reports containing these synthetic cathinones (4-MEC—1,876 reports; 4MePPP—288 reports; a-PVP —4,330 reports; butylone—486 reports; pentedrone—1,160 reports; pentylone— 235 reports; FMC 5—291 reports; naphyrone—43 reports; a-PBP —98 reports) across 42 states. Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of Abuse 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP are synthetic cathinones that emerged on the United States’ illicit drug market around the time of the temporary scheduling of mephedrone, MDPV, and methylone on October 21, 2011. 76 FR 65371. Mephedrone and MDPV were permanently placed in schedule I on July 9, 2012 by the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (Pub. L. 112–144), and methylone was permanently placed in schedule I by the DEA on April 12, 2013 (78 FR 21818). These synthetic cathinone substances, like the schedule I synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, methylone, and MDPV), are promoted as being a 2 STRIDE is a database of drug exhibits sent to DEA laboratories for analysis. Exhibits from the database are from the DEA, other Federal agencies, and some local law enforcement agencies. STRIDE data was queried on 12/20/2013 by date submitted to Federal forensic laboratories. 3 FMC refers to both 3-FMC and 4-FMC. 4 NFLIS is a national drug forensic laboratory reporting system that systematically collects results from drug chemistry analyses conducted by state and local forensic laboratories across the country. NFLIS state and local forensic drug reports were queried on 12/20/2013. 5 FMC refers to both 3-FMC and 4-FMC. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ‘‘legal’’ alternative to cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Products that contain 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP are falsely marketed as ‘‘research chemicals,’’ ‘‘plant fertilizer,’’ ‘‘jewelry cleaner,’’ ‘‘stain remover,’’ ‘‘plant food or fertilizer,’’ ‘‘insect repellants,’’ or ‘‘bath salts’’ and are sold at smoke shops, head shops, convenience stores, adult book stores, and gas stations, and can also be purchased on the Internet under a variety of product names (e.g., ‘‘White Dove,’’ ‘‘Explosion,’’ ‘‘Tranquility’’). They are commonly encountered in the form of powders, crystals, resins, tablets, and capsules. The packages of these commercial products usually contain the warning ‘‘not for human consumption.’’ Information from published scientific studies indicates that the most common routes of administration for synthetic cathinone substances is ingestion by swallowing capsules or tablets or nasal insufflation by snorting the powder. Other methods of intake include intravenous or intramuscular injection, rectal administration, and swallowing via ingestion by ‘‘bombing’’ (wrapping a dose of powder in paper). There is evidence that these synthetic cathinone substances are abused alone or ingested with other substances including other synthetic cathinones, pharmaceutical agents, or other recreational substances. Substances found in combination with 4-MEC, 4MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, or naphyrone are: other synthetic cathinones (e.g., methylone and MDPV), common cutting agents (e.g., lidocaine, caffeine, lignocaine, ephedrine, etc.), or other recreational substances. Evidence from poison centers and published reports suggest that the primary users of synthetic cathinones are youths and young adults. The Texas Poison Center Network reported adolescents (12 to 19-years-old) and young adults (mean age was 30-yearsold) in 2010 and 2011 as the main callers of synthetic cathinone exposures. A survey of college students reported that the lifetime use (used at least once) of synthetic cathinones among college students (at a large Southeastern U.S. university) is 25 out of 2,349 students surveyed. A national survey on drug use by the Monitoring the Future (MTF) 6 6 MTF is a research program conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research under grants from NIDA. MTF tracks drug use trends among American adolescents in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades and high school graduates into adulthood by conducting nationwide surveys. E:\FR\FM\28JAP1.SGM 28JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 18 / Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules research program showed that 0.2% of full-time college students (one to four years past high school) used synthetic cathinone substances in 2012. Similarly, the use of synthetic cathinone substances among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students and young adults (noncollege peers aged 19 to 28-years-old) was 0.8%, 0.6%, 1.3%, and 0.8%, respectively. ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Factor 5. Scope, Duration and Significance of Abuse 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP, like mephedrone, methylone, and MDPV, are popular recreational drugs. Evidence that these synthetic cathinone substances are being abused is indicated by law enforcement encounters of these substances. Forensic laboratories have analyzed drug exhibits received from state, local, and Federal law enforcement agencies and confirmed the presence of 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, or a-PBP in these exhibits. STRIDE registered 1,732 drug exhibits pertaining to the trafficking, distribution and abuse of 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP from January 2010 to November 2013.7 Specifically, in 2010, STRIDE contains four reports related to 4-MEC and none for the other nine substances. However, in 2011, there were 205 reports related to these 10 substances, and in 2012, there were 1,302 reports. From January to November 2013 there were 221 reports (excluding naphyrone). NFLIS registered over 8,000 reports from state and local forensic laboratories identifying these substances in drugrelated exhibits for the period from January 2010 to November 2013 across 42 states. Specifically, in 2010, NFLIS registered 13 reports from 5 states containing many of these synthetic cathinone substances.8 In 2011, there were 800 reports from 32 states related to these substances registered in NFLIS, in 2012 there were 5,485 reports from 41 states, and from January to November 2013 there were 2,509 reports from 41 states. Additionally, large seizures of these substances have occurred by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At selected United States ports of entry, CBP encountered several shipments of products from April 2010 to November 7 STRIDE data was queried on 12/20/2013 by date submitted to Federal forensic laboratories. 8 NFLIS state and local forensic drug reports were queried on 12/20/2013. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Jan 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 2013 containing these synthetic cathinone substances (4-MEC—78 encounters; 4-MePPP—8 encounters; aPVP—40 encounters; butylone—21 encounters; pentedrone—18 encounters; pentylone—10 encounters; FMC 9—13 encounters; naphyrone—3 encounters; a-PBP—11 encounters), thus indicating the appeal of these substances. Most of the shipments of these synthetic cathinones originated overseas and were destined for delivery throughout the United States to states including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Concerns over the abuse of these synthetic cathinone substances have prompted many states to regulate them. More than half of the states in the United States have emergency scheduled or enacted legislation placing regulatory controls on some or many of the 10 synthetic cathinones that are the subject of this notice of intent. In addition, due to the use of synthetic cathinones by service members, the U.S. Armed Forces has prohibited the use of synthetic cathinones for intoxication purposes. Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There is to the Public Health Available evidence on the overall public health risks associated with the use of synthetic cathinones indicates that 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP can cause acute health problems leading to emergency department admissions, violent behaviors causing harm to self or others, or death. For example, individuals have presented at emergency departments following exposure to some of these synthetic cathinone substances or products containing them. In addition, products containing these synthetic cathinone substances often do not bear labeling information regarding their ingredients and, if they do, they may not list the active synthetic ingredients or identify the health risks and potential hazards associated with these products. Acute effects of these substances are those typical of sympathomimetic agents (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine) and include, among other effects, tachycardia, headache, bruxism (teeth grinding), palpitations, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, mydriasis, tremor, fever or sweating, and hypertension. Other effects, with public health risk implications, that have been 9 FMC PO 00000 refers to both 3-FMC and 4-FMC. Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 4431 reported from the use of synthetic cathinone substances include vomiting, palpitations, chest pain, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, hyponatremia, seizures, and altered mental status (paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions). Finally, the possibility of death for individuals abusing 4-MEC, 4MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP indicates that these substances are serious public health threats. Some of these synthetic cathinone substances have been directly or indirectly implicated in the death of individuals. For example, a 24-year-old female died after ingesting two capsules of what she believed to be ‘‘Ecstasy’’ but was subsequently confirmed to be a mixture of methylone and butylone. The cause of death determined by the medical examiner was serotonin syndrome secondary to methylone and butylone ingestion. A 21-year-old male who ingested butylone for suicidal intentions died after he developed seizures and suffered a cardiac and respiratory arrest. The cause of death was reported as multi-organ failure resulting from malignant serotonin syndrome. Finding of Necessity of Schedule I Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard to Public Safety Based on the above summarized data and information, the continued uncontrolled manufacture, distribution, importation, exportation, and abuse of 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP pose an imminent hazard to the public safety. The DEA is not aware of any currently accepted medical uses for these synthetic cathinones in the United States. A substance meeting the statutory requirements for temporary scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may only be placed in schedule I. Substances in schedule I are those that have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Available data and information for 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, aPVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP indicate that these 10 synthetic cathinones have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. As required by section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Deputy Administrator through a letter dated November 7, 2013, notified the Assistant Secretary of E:\FR\FM\28JAP1.SGM 28JAP1 4432 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 18 / Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 the DEA’s intention to temporarily place these ten synthetic cathinones in schedule I. Conclusion This notice of intent initiates an expedited temporary scheduling action and provides the 30-day notice pursuant to section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h). In accordance with the provisions of section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Deputy Administrator considered available data and information, herein set forth the grounds for his determination that it is necessary to temporarily schedule 10 synthetic cathinones, 4-methyl-Nethylcathinone (4-MEC), 4-methyl-apyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP), alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (aPVP), 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(methylamino)butan-1-one (butylone), 2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-one (pentedrone), 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one (pentylone), 4-fluoro-Nmethylcathinone (4-FMC), 3-fluoro-Nmethylcathinone (3-FMC), naphthylpyrovalerone (naphyrone), and alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (a-PBP), in schedule I of the CSA, and finds that placement of these synthetic cathinones into schedule I of the CSA is warranted in order to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Because the Deputy Administrator hereby finds that it is necessary to temporarily place these synthetic cathinones into schedule I to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety, any subsequent final order temporarily scheduling these substances will be effective on the date of publication in the Federal Register, and will be in effect for a period of two years, with a possible extension of one additional year, pending completion of the regular (permanent) scheduling process. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1) and (2). It is the intention of the Deputy Administrator to issue such a final order as soon as possible after the expiration of 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, a-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and a-PBP will then be subject to the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, exportation, research, and conduct of instructional activities of a schedule I controlled substance. The CSA sets forth specific criteria for scheduling a drug or other substance. Regular scheduling actions in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(a) are subject to formal rulemaking procedures done ‘‘on the record after opportunity VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Jan 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 for a hearing’’ conducted pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557. 21 U.S.C. 811. The regular scheduling process of formal rulemaking affords interested parties with appropriate process and the government with any additional relevant information needed to make a determination. Final decisions that conclude the regular scheduling process of formal rulemaking are subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary scheduling orders are not subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(6). Regulatory Matters Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), provides for an expedited temporary scheduling action where such action is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As provided in this subsection, the Attorney General may, by order, schedule a substance in schedule I on a temporary basis. Such an order may not be issued before the expiration of 30 days from (1) the publication of a notice in the Federal Register of the intention to issue such order and the grounds upon which such order is to be issued, and (2) the date that notice of the proposed temporary scheduling order is transmitted to the Assistant Secretary. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the CSA directs that temporary scheduling actions be issued by order and sets forth the procedures by which such orders are to be issued, the DEA believes that the notice and comment requirements of section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this notice of intent. In the alternative, even assuming that this notice of intent might be subject to section 553 of the APA, the Deputy Administrator finds that there is good cause to forgo the notice and comment requirements of section 553, as any further delays in the process for issuance of temporary scheduling orders would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest in view of the manifest urgency to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Although the DEA believes this notice of intent to issue a temporary scheduling order is not subject to the notice and comment requirements of section 553 of the APA, the DEA notes that in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the Deputy Administrator will take into consideration any comments submitted by the Assistant Secretary with regard to the proposed temporary scheduling order. Further, the DEA believes that this temporary scheduling action is not a ‘‘rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2), PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 and, accordingly, is not subject to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The requirements for the preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are not applicable where, as here, the DEA is not required by section 553 of the APA or any other law to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking. Additionally, this action is not a significant regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), section 3(f), and, accordingly, this action has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This action will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) it is determined that this action does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308 Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Under the authority vested in the Attorney General by section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), and delegated to the Deputy Administrator of the DEA by Department of Justice regulations, the Deputy Administrator hereby intends to order that 21 CFR Part 1308 be amended as follows: PART 1308—SCHEDULES OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES 1. The authority citation for Part 1308 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b), unless otherwise noted. 2. Section 1308.11 is amended by adding new paragraphs (h)(19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (27), and (28) to read as follows: ■ § 1308.11 Schedule I. * * * * * (h) * * * (19) 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers— 1249 (Other names: 4-MEC; 2-(ethylamino)-1(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one) (20) 4-methyl-alphapyrrolidinopropiophenone, its optical, E:\FR\FM\28JAP1.SGM 28JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 18 / Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers—7498 (Other names: 4-MePPP; MePPP; 4methyl-a-pyrrolidinopropiophenone; 1(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propan-1-one) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION (21) alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers— 7545 (Other names: a-PVP; apyrrolidinovalerophenone; 1-phenyl-2(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one) [Docket No. SLSDC–2014–0001] (22) butylone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers—7541 (Other names: bk-MBDB; 1-(1,3benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(methylamino)butan-1-one) (23) pentedrone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers—1246 (Other names: amethylaminovalerophenone; 2(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-one) (24) pentylone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers—7542 (Other names: bk-MBDP; 1-(1,3benzodioxol-5-yl)-2(methylamino)pentan-1-one) (25) 4-fluoro-N-methylcathinone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers— 1238 (Other names: 4-FMC; flephedrone; 1-(4fluorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan1-one) (26) 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers— 1233 (Other names: 3-FMC; 1-(3fluorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan1-one) ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 (27) naphyrone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers—1258 (Other names: naphthylpyrovalerone; 1(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1yl)pentan-1-one) (28) alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers— 7546 (Other names: a-PBP; 1-phenyl-2(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butan-1-one) Dated: January 15, 2014. Thomas M. Harrigan, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2014–01172 Filed 1–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–09–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:35 Jan 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 33 CFR Part 401 RIN 2135–AA33 Seaway Regulations and Rules: Periodic Update, Various Categories Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Regulations and Rules (Practices and Procedures in Canada) in their respective jurisdictions. Under agreement with the SLSMC, the SLSDC is amending the joint regulations by updating the Seaway Regulations and Rules in various categories. The changes will update the following sections of the Regulations and Rules: Condition of Vessels; Preclearance and Security for Tolls; Tolls Assessment and Payment; Seaway Navigation; Dangerous Cargo; Toll Assessment and Payment; and, Information and Reports. These amendments are necessary to take account of updated procedures and will enhance the safety of transits through the Seaway. Many of the amendments are merely editorial or for clarification of existing requirements. DATES: Comments are due February 27, 2014. ADDRESSES: Submit comments to https://www.Regulations.gov; or the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–001. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.Regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Mann Lavigne, Chief Counsel, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, 180 Andrews Street, Massena, New York 13662; 315/764– 3200. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 4433 The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Regulations and Rules (Practices and Procedures in Canada) in their respective jurisdictions. Under agreement with the SLSMC, the SLSDC is amending the joint regulations by updating the Regulations and Rules in various categories. The changes will update the following sections of the Regulations and Rules: Condition of Vessels; Preclearance and Security for Tolls; Tolls Assessment and Payment; Seaway Navigation; Dangerous Cargo; Toll Assessment and Payment; and, Information and Reports. These updates are necessary to take account of updated procedures which will enhance the safety of transits through the Seaway. Many of these changes are to clarify existing requirements in the regulations. Where new requirements or regulations are made, an explanation for such a change is provided below. Regulatory Notices: Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78) or you may visit https:// www.Regulations.gov. The SLSDC is amending several sections of the Condition of Vessels portion of the joint Seaway regulations. In section 401.9, ‘‘Radio Telephone Equipment’’, the two Corporations are proposing to limit the degree of error for gyro and magnetic compasses. Under section 401.10, ‘‘Mooring lines’’, the SLSDC is proposing to mandate the use of synthetic lines when using tie-up services at tie-up walls and docks. Currently the use of synthetic lines is optional. For safety purposes in section 401.14, ‘‘Anchor marking buoys’’, the SLSDC is proposing to amend the rules to require vessels to ensure that the anchor buoy is secured by a suitable line and ready to be released prior to entering the Seaway. In the Preclearance and Security for Tolls section, the Seaway Corporations are proposing to amend their joint rules in section 401.22, ‘‘Preclearance of vessels’’, to require that past due invoices must be paid prior to transiting the Seaway. In addition, provisions are being proposed that would provide SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\28JAP1.SGM 28JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4429-4433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01172]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

21 CFR Part 1308

[Docket No. DEA-386]


Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 10 
Synthetic Cathinones into Schedule I

AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement 
Administration (DEA) is issuing this notice of intent to temporarily 
schedule 10 synthetic cathinones into schedule I pursuant to the 
temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). 
The 10 substances are: (1) 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (``4-MEC''); (2) 
4-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (``4-MePPP''); (3) alpha-
pyrrolidinopentiophenone (``[alpha]-PVP''); (4) 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-
yl)-2-(methylamino)butan-1-one (``butylone''); (5) 2-(methylamino)-1-
phenylpentan-1-one (``pentedrone''); (6) 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-
(methylamino)pentan-1-one (``pentylone''); (7) 4-fluoro-N-
methylcathinone (``4-FMC''); (8) 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (``3-
FMC''); (9) 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one 
(``naphyrone''); and (10) alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (``[alpha]-
PBP''). This action is based on a finding by the Deputy Administrator 
that the placement of these synthetic cathinones into schedule I of the 
CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. Any 
final order will be published in the Federal Register and may not be 
effective prior to February 27, 2014. Any final order will impose the 
administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions and regulatory controls 
applicable to schedule I substances under the CSA on the manufacture, 
distribution, possession, importation, exportation, research, and 
conduct of instructional activities of these synthetic cathinones.

DATES: January 28, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth A. Carter, Acting Chief, Policy 
Evaluation and Analysis Section, Office of Diversion Control, Drug 
Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 8701 Morrissette Drive, 
Springfield, Virginia 22152, Telephone (202) 598-6812.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811, provides the Attorney 
General with the authority to temporarily place a substance into 
schedule I of the CSA for two years without regard to the requirements 
of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if he finds that such action is necessary to avoid 
imminent hazard to the public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h). In addition, if 
proceedings to control a substance are initiated under 21 U.S.C. 
811(a)(1), the Attorney General may extend the temporary scheduling for 
up to one year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).
    Where the necessary findings are made, a substance may be 
temporarily scheduled if it is not listed in any other schedule under 
section 202 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no exemption or 
approval in effect for the substance under section 505 of the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C. 
811(h)(1); 21 CFR part 1308. The Attorney General has delegated his 
authority under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the DEA, who in 
turn has delegated her authority to the Deputy Administrator of the 
DEA. 28 CFR 0.100, 0.104, Appendix to Subpart R of Part 0, Sec. 12.
    Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA (21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4)) requires the 
Deputy Administrator to notify the Secretary of the Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) of his intention to temporarily place a 
substance into schedule I of the CSA.\1\ As 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-
PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and 
[alpha]-PBP are not currently listed in any schedule under the CSA, the 
DEA believes that the conditions of 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1) have been 
satisfied. Any comments submitted by the Assistant Secretary in 
response to the notice transmitted to the Assistant Secretary on 
November 7, 2013, shall be taken into consideration before a final 
order is published. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4).
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    \1\ Because the Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the 
Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the authority to make 
domestic drug scheduling recommendations, for purposes of this 
Notice of Intent, all subsequent references to ``Secretary'' have 
been replaced with ``Assistant Secretary.'' As set forth in a 
memorandum of understanding entered into by HHS, the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA), and the National Institute on Drug Abuse 
(NIDA), FDA acts as the lead agency within HHS in carrying out the 
Assistant Secretary's scheduling responsibilities under the CSA, 
with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985.
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    To make a finding that placing a substance temporarily into 
schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the 
public safety, the Deputy Administrator is required to consider three 
of the eight factors set forth in section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 
811(c): the substance's history and current pattern of abuse; the 
scope, duration, and significance of abuse; and what, if any, risk 
there is to the public health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3). Consideration of 
these factors includes actual abuse, diversion from legitimate 
channels, and clandestine importation, manufacture, or distribution. 21 
U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
    A substance meeting the statutory requirements for temporary 
scheduling may only be placed in schedule I. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). 
Substances in schedule I are those that have a high potential for 
abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United 
States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical 
supervision. 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1). Available data and information for 4-
MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-
FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP indicate that these 10 synthetic

[[Page 4430]]

cathinones have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted 
medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted 
safety for use under medical supervision.

Synthetic Cathinones

    Synthetic cathinones are [beta]-keto-phenethylamine derivatives of 
the larger phenethylamine structural class (amphetamines, cathinones, 
2C compounds, aminoindanes, etc.). Synthetic cathinones share a core 
phenethylamine structure with substitutions at the [beta]-position, 
[alpha]-position, phenyl ring, or nitrogen atom. The addition of a 
beta-keto ([beta]-keto) substituent (i.e., carbonyl (C=O)) to the 
phenethylamine core structure along with substitutions on the alpha 
([alpha]) carbon (C) atom or the nitrogen (N) atom produce a variety of 
substances called cathinones or synthetic cathinones. Many synthetic 
cathinones produce pharmacological effects substantially similar to the 
schedule I substances cathinone, methcathinone, and 3,4-
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and schedule II stimulants 
amphetamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, 
butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-
PBP are synthetic cathinones and are structurally and pharmacologically 
similar to amphetamine, MDMA, cathinone, and other related substances. 
Accordingly, these synthetic cathinone substances share substantial 
similarities with schedule I and schedule II substances, including 
similarities with respect to desired and adverse effects. In general, 
desired effects reported by abusers of synthetic cathinone substances 
include euphoria, sense of well-being, increased sociability, energy, 
empathy, increased alertness, and improved concentration and focus. 
Abusers also report experiencing unwanted effects such as tremor, 
vomiting, agitation, sweating, fever, and chest pain. Other adverse or 
toxic effects that have been reported with the abuse of synthetic 
cathinones include tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, mydriasis, 
rhabdomyolysis, hyponatremia, seizures, altered mental status 
(paranoia, hallucinations, delusions), and even death. These synthetic 
cathinone substances have no known medical use in the United States but 
evidence demonstrates that these substances are being abused by 
individuals. There have been documented reports of emergency room 
admissions and deaths associated with the abuse of synthetic cathinone 
substances.
    Products that contain synthetic cathinones have been falsely 
marketed as ``research chemicals,'' ``plant fertilizer,'' ``jewelry 
cleaner,'' ``stain remover,'' ``plant food or fertilizer,'' ``insect 
repellants,'' or ``bath salts.'' These products are sold at smoke 
shops, head shops, convenience stores, adult book stores, and gas 
stations and can also be purchased on the Internet. These substances 
are commonly encountered in the form of powders, crystals, resins, 
tablets, and capsules.
    From January 2010 through November 2013, according to the System to 
Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence \2\ (STRIDE) data, there are 
374 exhibits for 4-MEC; 122 exhibits for 4-MePPP; 659 exhibits for 
[alpha]-PVP; 74 exhibits for butylone; 288 exhibits for pentedrone; 119 
exhibits for pentylone; 37 exhibits for FMC \3\; 22 exhibits for 
naphyrone; and 37 exhibits for [alpha]-PBP. From January 2010 through 
November 2013, the National Forensic Laboratory Information System \4\ 
(NFLIS) registered 8,807 reports containing these synthetic cathinones 
(4-MEC--1,876 reports; 4-MePPP--288 reports; [alpha]-PVP --4,330 
reports; butylone--486 reports; pentedrone--1,160 reports; pentylone--
235 reports; FMC \5\--291 reports; naphyrone--43 reports; [alpha]-PBP 
--98 reports) across 42 states.
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    \2\ STRIDE is a database of drug exhibits sent to DEA 
laboratories for analysis. Exhibits from the database are from the 
DEA, other Federal agencies, and some local law enforcement 
agencies. STRIDE data was queried on 12/20/2013 by date submitted to 
Federal forensic laboratories.
    \3\ FMC refers to both 3-FMC and 4-FMC.
    \4\ NFLIS is a national drug forensic laboratory reporting 
system that systematically collects results from drug chemistry 
analyses conducted by state and local forensic laboratories across 
the country. NFLIS state and local forensic drug reports were 
queried on 12/20/2013.
    \5\ FMC refers to both 3-FMC and 4-FMC.
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Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of Abuse

    4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-
FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP are synthetic cathinones that 
emerged on the United States' illicit drug market around the time of 
the temporary scheduling of mephedrone, MDPV, and methylone on October 
21, 2011. 76 FR 65371. Mephedrone and MDPV were permanently placed in 
schedule I on July 9, 2012 by the Food and Drug Administration Safety 
and Innovation Act (Pub. L. 112-144), and methylone was permanently 
placed in schedule I by the DEA on April 12, 2013 (78 FR 21818). These 
synthetic cathinone substances, like the schedule I synthetic 
cathinones (mephedrone, methylone, and MDPV), are promoted as being a 
``legal'' alternative to cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Products 
that contain 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, 
pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP are falsely 
marketed as ``research chemicals,'' ``plant fertilizer,'' ``jewelry 
cleaner,'' ``stain remover,'' ``plant food or fertilizer,'' ``insect 
repellants,'' or ``bath salts'' and are sold at smoke shops, head 
shops, convenience stores, adult book stores, and gas stations, and can 
also be purchased on the Internet under a variety of product names 
(e.g., ``White Dove,'' ``Explosion,'' ``Tranquility''). They are 
commonly encountered in the form of powders, crystals, resins, tablets, 
and capsules. The packages of these commercial products usually contain 
the warning ``not for human consumption.''
    Information from published scientific studies indicates that the 
most common routes of administration for synthetic cathinone substances 
is ingestion by swallowing capsules or tablets or nasal insufflation by 
snorting the powder. Other methods of intake include intravenous or 
intramuscular injection, rectal administration, and swallowing via 
ingestion by ``bombing'' (wrapping a dose of powder in paper).
    There is evidence that these synthetic cathinone substances are 
abused alone or ingested with other substances including other 
synthetic cathinones, pharmaceutical agents, or other recreational 
substances. Substances found in combination with 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, 
[alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, or naphyrone are: 
other synthetic cathinones (e.g., methylone and MDPV), common cutting 
agents (e.g., lidocaine, caffeine, lignocaine, ephedrine, etc.), or 
other recreational substances.
    Evidence from poison centers and published reports suggest that the 
primary users of synthetic cathinones are youths and young adults. The 
Texas Poison Center Network reported adolescents (12 to 19-years-old) 
and young adults (mean age was 30-years-old) in 2010 and 2011 as the 
main callers of synthetic cathinone exposures. A survey of college 
students reported that the lifetime use (used at least once) of 
synthetic cathinones among college students (at a large Southeastern 
U.S. university) is 25 out of 2,349 students surveyed. A national 
survey on drug use by the Monitoring the Future (MTF) \6\

[[Page 4431]]

research program showed that 0.2% of full-time college students (one to 
four years past high school) used synthetic cathinone substances in 
2012. Similarly, the use of synthetic cathinone substances among 8th, 
10th, and 12th grade students and young adults (non-college peers aged 
19 to 28-years-old) was 0.8%, 0.6%, 1.3%, and 0.8%, respectively.
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    \6\ MTF is a research program conducted by the University of 
Michigan's Institute for Social Research under grants from NIDA. MTF 
tracks drug use trends among American adolescents in the 8th, 10th, 
and 12th grades and high school graduates into adulthood by 
conducting nationwide surveys.
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Factor 5. Scope, Duration and Significance of Abuse

    4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-
FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP, like mephedrone, methylone, and 
MDPV, are popular recreational drugs. Evidence that these synthetic 
cathinone substances are being abused is indicated by law enforcement 
encounters of these substances. Forensic laboratories have analyzed 
drug exhibits received from state, local, and Federal law enforcement 
agencies and confirmed the presence of 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, 
butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, or [alpha]-
PBP in these exhibits.
    STRIDE registered 1,732 drug exhibits pertaining to the 
trafficking, distribution and abuse of 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, 
butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-
PBP from January 2010 to November 2013.\7\ Specifically, in 2010, 
STRIDE contains four reports related to 4-MEC and none for the other 
nine substances. However, in 2011, there were 205 reports related to 
these 10 substances, and in 2012, there were 1,302 reports. From 
January to November 2013 there were 221 reports (excluding naphyrone).
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    \7\ STRIDE data was queried on 12/20/2013 by date submitted to 
Federal forensic laboratories.
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    NFLIS registered over 8,000 reports from state and local forensic 
laboratories identifying these substances in drug-related exhibits for 
the period from January 2010 to November 2013 across 42 states. 
Specifically, in 2010, NFLIS registered 13 reports from 5 states 
containing many of these synthetic cathinone substances.\8\ In 2011, 
there were 800 reports from 32 states related to these substances 
registered in NFLIS, in 2012 there were 5,485 reports from 41 states, 
and from January to November 2013 there were 2,509 reports from 41 
states.
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    \8\ NFLIS state and local forensic drug reports were queried on 
12/20/2013.
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    Additionally, large seizures of these substances have occurred by 
the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At selected United States 
ports of entry, CBP encountered several shipments of products from 
April 2010 to November 2013 containing these synthetic cathinone 
substances (4-MEC--78 encounters; 4-MePPP--8 encounters; [alpha]-PVP--
40 encounters; butylone--21 encounters; pentedrone--18 encounters; 
pentylone--10 encounters; FMC \9\--13 encounters; naphyrone--3 
encounters; [alpha]-PBP--11 encounters), thus indicating the appeal of 
these substances. Most of the shipments of these synthetic cathinones 
originated overseas and were destined for delivery throughout the 
United States to states including Arizona, Arkansas, California, 
Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, 
Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, 
Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
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    \9\ FMC refers to both 3-FMC and 4-FMC.
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    Concerns over the abuse of these synthetic cathinone substances 
have prompted many states to regulate them. More than half of the 
states in the United States have emergency scheduled or enacted 
legislation placing regulatory controls on some or many of the 10 
synthetic cathinones that are the subject of this notice of intent. In 
addition, due to the use of synthetic cathinones by service members, 
the U.S. Armed Forces has prohibited the use of synthetic cathinones 
for intoxication purposes.

Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There is to the Public Health

    Available evidence on the overall public health risks associated 
with the use of synthetic cathinones indicates that 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, 
[alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, 
and [alpha]-PBP can cause acute health problems leading to emergency 
department admissions, violent behaviors causing harm to self or 
others, or death. For example, individuals have presented at emergency 
departments following exposure to some of these synthetic cathinone 
substances or products containing them. In addition, products 
containing these synthetic cathinone substances often do not bear 
labeling information regarding their ingredients and, if they do, they 
may not list the active synthetic ingredients or identify the health 
risks and potential hazards associated with these products. Acute 
effects of these substances are those typical of sympathomimetic agents 
(e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine) and include, among 
other effects, tachycardia, headache, bruxism (teeth grinding), 
palpitations, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, mydriasis, tremor, fever or 
sweating, and hypertension. Other effects, with public health risk 
implications, that have been reported from the use of synthetic 
cathinone substances include vomiting, palpitations, chest pain, 
hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, hyponatremia, seizures, and altered 
mental status (paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions). Finally, the 
possibility of death for individuals abusing 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-
PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and 
[alpha]-PBP indicates that these substances are serious public health 
threats. Some of these synthetic cathinone substances have been 
directly or indirectly implicated in the death of individuals. For 
example, a 24-year-old female died after ingesting two capsules of what 
she believed to be ``Ecstasy'' but was subsequently confirmed to be a 
mixture of methylone and butylone. The cause of death determined by the 
medical examiner was serotonin syndrome secondary to methylone and 
butylone ingestion. A 21-year-old male who ingested butylone for 
suicidal intentions died after he developed seizures and suffered a 
cardiac and respiratory arrest. The cause of death was reported as 
multi-organ failure resulting from malignant serotonin syndrome.

Finding of Necessity of Schedule I Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard 
to Public Safety

    Based on the above summarized data and information, the continued 
uncontrolled manufacture, distribution, importation, exportation, and 
abuse of 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 
4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP pose an imminent hazard to the 
public safety. The DEA is not aware of any currently accepted medical 
uses for these synthetic cathinones in the United States. A substance 
meeting the statutory requirements for temporary scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 
811(h)(1), may only be placed in schedule I. Substances in schedule I 
are those that have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted 
medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted 
safety for use under medical supervision. Available data and 
information for 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, 
pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP indicate that these 
10 synthetic cathinones have a high potential for abuse, no currently 
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of 
accepted safety for use under medical supervision. As required by 
section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Deputy 
Administrator through a letter dated November 7, 2013, notified the 
Assistant Secretary of

[[Page 4432]]

the DEA's intention to temporarily place these ten synthetic cathinones 
in schedule I.

Conclusion

    This notice of intent initiates an expedited temporary scheduling 
action and provides the 30-day notice pursuant to section 201(h) of the 
CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h). In accordance with the provisions of section 
201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), the Deputy Administrator 
considered available data and information, herein set forth the grounds 
for his determination that it is necessary to temporarily schedule 10 
synthetic cathinones, 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC), 4-methyl-
[alpha]-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP), alpha-
pyrrolidinopentiophenone ([alpha]-PVP), 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-
(methylamino)butan-1-one (butylone), 2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-
one (pentedrone), 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one 
(pentylone), 4-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (4-FMC), 3-fluoro-N-
methylcathinone (3-FMC), naphthylpyrovalerone (naphyrone), and alpha-
pyrrolidinobutiophenone ([alpha]-PBP), in schedule I of the CSA, and 
finds that placement of these synthetic cathinones into schedule I of 
the CSA is warranted in order to avoid an imminent hazard to the public 
safety.
    Because the Deputy Administrator hereby finds that it is necessary 
to temporarily place these synthetic cathinones into schedule I to 
avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety, any subsequent final 
order temporarily scheduling these substances will be effective on the 
date of publication in the Federal Register, and will be in effect for 
a period of two years, with a possible extension of one additional 
year, pending completion of the regular (permanent) scheduling process. 
21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1) and (2). It is the intention of the Deputy 
Administrator to issue such a final order as soon as possible after the 
expiration of 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. 4-
MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3-
FMC, naphyrone, and [alpha]-PBP will then be subject to the regulatory 
controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable 
to the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, exportation, 
research, and conduct of instructional activities of a schedule I 
controlled substance.
    The CSA sets forth specific criteria for scheduling a drug or other 
substance. Regular scheduling actions in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
811(a) are subject to formal rulemaking procedures done ``on the record 
after opportunity for a hearing'' conducted pursuant to the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557. 21 U.S.C. 811. The regular scheduling process 
of formal rulemaking affords interested parties with appropriate 
process and the government with any additional relevant information 
needed to make a determination. Final decisions that conclude the 
regular scheduling process of formal rulemaking are subject to judicial 
review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary scheduling orders are not subject to 
judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(6).

Regulatory Matters

    Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), provides for an 
expedited temporary scheduling action where such action is necessary to 
avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As provided in this 
subsection, the Attorney General may, by order, schedule a substance in 
schedule I on a temporary basis. Such an order may not be issued before 
the expiration of 30 days from (1) the publication of a notice in the 
Federal Register of the intention to issue such order and the grounds 
upon which such order is to be issued, and (2) the date that notice of 
the proposed temporary scheduling order is transmitted to the Assistant 
Secretary. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).
    Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the CSA directs that temporary 
scheduling actions be issued by order and sets forth the procedures by 
which such orders are to be issued, the DEA believes that the notice 
and comment requirements of section 553 of the Administrative Procedure 
Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this notice of intent. In the 
alternative, even assuming that this notice of intent might be subject 
to section 553 of the APA, the Deputy Administrator finds that there is 
good cause to forgo the notice and comment requirements of section 553, 
as any further delays in the process for issuance of temporary 
scheduling orders would be impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest in view of the manifest urgency to avoid an imminent hazard to 
the public safety.
    Although the DEA believes this notice of intent to issue a 
temporary scheduling order is not subject to the notice and comment 
requirements of section 553 of the APA, the DEA notes that in 
accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the Deputy Administrator will take 
into consideration any comments submitted by the Assistant Secretary 
with regard to the proposed temporary scheduling order.
    Further, the DEA believes that this temporary scheduling action is 
not a ``rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2), and, accordingly, is not 
subject to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). 
The requirements for the preparation of an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are not applicable where, as 
here, the DEA is not required by section 553 of the APA or any other 
law to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking. Additionally, 
this action is not a significant regulatory action as defined by 
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), section 3(f), 
and, accordingly, this action has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB).
    This action will not have substantial direct effects on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 
13132 (Federalism) it is determined that this action does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Under the authority vested in the Attorney General by section 
201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), and delegated to the Deputy 
Administrator of the DEA by Department of Justice regulations, the 
Deputy Administrator hereby intends to order that 21 CFR Part 1308 be 
amended 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), unless otherwise noted.


0
2. Section 1308.11 is amended by adding new paragraphs (h)(19), (20), 
(21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (27), and (28) to read as follows:


Sec.  1308.11  Schedule I.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

(19) 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone, its optical, positional, and geometric 
isomers, salts and salts of isomers--1249

(Other names: 4-MEC; 2-(ethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one)


(20) 4-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone, its optical,

[[Page 4433]]

positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers--7498

(Other names: 4-MePPP; MePPP; 4-methyl-[alpha]-
pyrrolidinopropiophenone; 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-
propan-1-one)


(21) alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone, its optical, positional, and 
geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers--7545

(Other names: [alpha]-PVP; [alpha]-pyrrolidinovalerophenone; 1-phenyl-
2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one)


(22) butylone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts 
and salts of isomers--7541

(Other names: bk-MBDB; 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)butan-1-
one)


(23) pentedrone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts 
and salts of isomers--1246

(Other names: [alpha]-methylaminovalerophenone; 2-(methylamino)-1-
phenylpentan-1-one)


(24) pentylone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts 
and salts of isomers--7542

(Other names: bk-MBDP; 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-
1-one)


(25) 4-fluoro-N-methylcathinone, its optical, positional, and geometric 
isomers, salts and salts of isomers--1238

(Other names: 4-FMC; flephedrone; 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-
(methylamino)propan-1-one)


(26) 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone, its optical, positional, and geometric 
isomers, salts and salts of isomers--1233

(Other names: 3-FMC; 1-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one)


(27) naphyrone, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts 
and salts of isomers--1258

(Other names: naphthylpyrovalerone; 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-
1-yl)pentan-1-one)


(28) alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, its optical, positional, and 
geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers--7546

(Other names: [alpha]-PBP; 1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butan-1-one)

    Dated: January 15, 2014.
Thomas M. Harrigan,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-01172 Filed 1-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P

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