What authority does the DEA have to regulate the handling of controlled substances, like OxyContin ?
DEAs authority to regulate pharmaceutical controlled substances is derived from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) [21 U.S.C. 801-971]. The CSA mandates that DEA prevent, detect and investigate the diversion of legally manufactured controlled substances while, at the same time, ensuring that there are adequate supplies to meet the legitimate medical needs in the United States. To enable the DEA to achieve these goals, the CSA established five schedules into which controlled substances are separated according to their approved medical use and abuse potential. Schedule I controlled substances are those deemed not to have legitimate medical uses and have a very high potential for abuse. Schedule II substances, including OxyContin , are approved for medical use and also have a very high abuse potential. Schedules III, IV and V include controlled substances that have all been approved for medical use and have diminishing potential for abuse. The CSA also established a closed system of dist
