House Approves Permanent Schedule 1 Status for Fentanyl

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act" with bipartisan support, permanently classifying fentanyl as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that fentanyl has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, allowing law enforcement to prosecute traffickers more effectively. The bill passed with a vote of 312-108 and aims to address the ongoing opioid epidemic, which claimed over 107,000 lives in 2023, with fentanyl being a major contributor. Proponents argue that the legislation will help close legal loopholes that have allowed traffickers to evade penalties. Critics, however, warn that the bill could lead to increased incarceration rates. The previous temporary classification is set to expire on March 31, prompting urgency in passing this legislation.