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S 5383

A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to schedule MGM-15 and MGM-16 as schedule I controlled substances, and to amend the controlled Substances Act to schedule synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine, and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, as a Schedule I above a specific threshold under the controlled substance act, and to expand enforcement actions against drug manufacturers and distributors of emerging synthetic opioids, commonly known as gas station heroin.

119th Congress Introduced by Bernie Moreno

The bill reclassifies certain synthetic opioids as Schedule I and expands federal enforcement against producers and distributors of emerging synthetic opioids.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5383

Overview

S 5383, introduced in the 119th Congress, seeks to update the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by reclassifying certain synthetic opioids and related substances as Schedule I drugs and by expanding enforcement against producers and distributors of emerging synthetic opioids, often referred to as “gas station heroin.” The bill is sponsored in the Senate with a notable co-sponsor, Bernie Moreno. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary on August 8, 2026.

Main purpose and intent

  • Strengthen federal control by placing additional synthetic opioids and related compounds into Schedule I of the CSA, signaling they have high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
  • Enhance federal enforcement tools to target drug manufacturers and distributors of new and emerging synthetic opioids.

Key provisions and changes

  • Schedule I designation:
    • MGM-15 and MGM-16 would be scheduled as Schedule I controlled substances.
    • Synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl would be scheduled as Schedule I substances when present above a defined threshold under the CSA.
  • Threshold-based scheduling:
    • The bill specifies a threshold framework for scheduling certain compounds (e.g., Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl and 7-hydroxymitragynine), indicating these substances would be scheduled at Schedule I once a particular quantity, concentration, or other criteria are met.
  • Expanded enforcement against emerging synthetic opioids:
    • The bill broadens enforcement actions against drug manufacturers and distributors of emerging synthetic opioids, including those variants often marketed illicitly (referred to as “gas station heroin”).
    • Likely includes enhanced investigations, penalties, asset seizures, and other investigative tools available under federal law to disrupt supply chains for these compounds.

Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals and entities handling MGM-15, MGM-16, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl:
    • Regarded as Schedule I substances, subject to strict controls, criminal penalties for illicit possession or distribution, and extensive regulatory oversight.
  • Drug manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of synthetic opioids:
    • Expanded enforcement powers targeting illicit production and distribution networks of emerging synthetic opioids, including enforcement actions, investigations, and penalties.
  • Law enforcement and regulatory agencies:
    • Agencies involved in scheduling decisions (e.g., DEA) and those responsible for enforcement and compliance would gain additional authorities and responsibilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced in the Senate and immediately referred to the Judiciary Committee on August 8, 2026.
  • Next steps:
    • The Committee on the Judiciary would review, hold hearings if planned, and vote on whether to report the bill to the full Senate.
    • If reported, the bill would proceed through the Senate for consideration, and, if passed, would move to the House (and possible reconciliation if there are differences) before enacting into law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public health and safety:
    • Scheduling additional substances as Schedule I could curb illicit manufacture and distribution but may raise debates about medical research access and scheduling criteria.
  • Medical use and research:
    • Schedule I status generally restricts research access; stakeholders may push for timely pathways to study these substances under appropriate safeguards.
  • Enforcement and deterrence:
    • Expanded enforcement tools aim to disrupt illicit supply chains for new synthetic opioids, potentially reducing availability of dangerous compounds.
  • Legal clarity:
    • The threshold-based scheduling approach provides a defined trigger for classifying specific substances, though the exact thresholds and scientific basis would be critical for implementation.

If you’d like, I can extract the precise statutory language (if available) or compare this bill to existing CSA schedules and similar prior proposals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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