The Senate passed a bill on March 14 that would reclassify fentanyl as a Schedule I narcotic, pulling it from medical use and toughening penalties for those charged with criminal offenses related to the drug.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), passed 84–16 on Friday, sending it to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
The HALT Fentanyl Act categorizes any fentanyl-related substances, which include any chemical or compound that is structurally or molecularly related to the highly addictive synthetic opioid, as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, ecstasy, and LSD, are substances that are deemed to have no medical use and can be subject to a high abuse potential....
