DEA Classifies Bromazolam as Schedule I Controlled Substance
Summary
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified bromazolam, a designer benzodiazepine, as a Schedule I controlled substance nationwide. This action, requested by a coalition of state attorneys general, aligns bromazolam with substances like heroin and LSD and empowers law enforcement to address its distribution.
What changed
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has officially classified bromazolam as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This designation, effective March 16, 2026, places bromazolam in the same category as highly regulated drugs such as heroin and LSD, signifying a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. This action was taken in response to a request from a coalition of state attorneys general, including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who urged immediate action to ban the substance often referred to as 'Designer Xanax'.
The classification of bromazolam as a Schedule I drug provides law enforcement agencies nationwide with the legal authority to enforce stricter controls on its possession, manufacture, and distribution. This change is critical for public health efforts aimed at curbing the spread of dangerous synthetic drugs. Regulated entities involved in the pharmaceutical or chemical sectors should review their compliance protocols to ensure they do not handle or distribute bromazolam, as violations will now be subject to the penalties associated with Schedule I controlled substances.
What to do next
- Review DEA's Schedule I classification for bromazolam.
- Ensure no handling or distribution of bromazolam occurs.
- Consult legal counsel regarding any potential impact on existing operations.
Penalties
Penalties associated with Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
Source document (simplified)
DEA Answers AG Coalition’s Call for a Nationwide ‘Designer Xanax’ Ban
View PDF For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2026
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Montgomery, Ala) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has acted on a request from a coalition of attorneys general urging the immediate ban of bromazolam, known as “Designer Xanax.”
Last week, the DEA formally classified bromazolam as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act—the same designation as heroin and LSD. The designation authorizes law enforcement across the country to crack down on bromazolam and increases awareness of the drug’s potentially deadly effects. Last year, Attorney General Marshall joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in urging the administration to take emergency action to classify the drug.
“The DEA’s decisive action arms law enforcement officers across the state with the critical tools and authority they need to stand firmly against the growing threat of dangerous and unpredictable substances like bromazolam,” Attorney General Marshall said. “As evidenced by our successful litigation holding opioid manufacturers accountable, we are committed to protecting our communities. With the recent news, Alabama is better equipped than ever to do so.”
Bromazolam has become an increasing concern for public health and law enforcement due to its potency and the difficulty of detecting and responding to overdoses. Naloxone, or Narcan, is ineffective against bromazolam overdoses, further increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.
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