hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Permanently schedules nitazene opioids as Schedule I controlled substances.
Rep. Latta (R-OH) introduced the bill.
In committee, no House vote yet.
This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to permanently classify 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, also known as nitazenes, as Schedule I controlled substances. This means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Representative Latta, a Republican from Ohio, introduced the bill, which has now been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee for review.
Introduced Mar 18, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 18, 2026, and immediately referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. For the bill to become law, it must be approved by these committees, pass a vote in the full House, then pass the Senate, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, any individual found with nitazene opioids could face federal criminal charges, as these substances would be permanently illegal. It ensures that the temporary federal scheduling of nitazenes becomes permanent, solidifying penalties for their manufacture, distribution, or possession. The Attorney General will be required to create new rules within one year to fully implement and enforce these changes.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill protects public safety by permanently banning dangerous synthetic opioids with no accepted medical use.
Critics Say
Critics might argue that permanent scheduling limits flexibility for future research or medical review of these substances.
Those in favor would likely highlight the public health risks associated with nitazenes, emphasizing the need for strong, permanent legal tools to combat their spread and prevent overdoses. Opponents, if any, might raise concerns about the broadness of the chemical definitions for scheduling or the potential for stifling scientific research into these compounds, even if they currently lack accepted medical uses.