Cannabis Schedule III: The Illusion of Reform and the Reality of Federal Control
The push to move cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act is being celebrated as long-overdue reform. It is not. From a regulatory and enforcement standpoint, rescheduling cannabis does not loosen federal control—it completes it.
As 2025 Comes to an End, Let’s Take A Look Back at the Most Frequently Cited DEA Compliance Issues
As 2025 wraps up, it’s a perfect time for DEA registrants, especially those in veterinary medicine, to reflect on recordkeeping practices, storage procedures, and overall controlled-substance compliance. Unlike OSHA, the DEA does not publish an annual “Top 10” violation list, but inspection trends consistently reveal the same weak points year after year.
Don’tToss Those Records Yet!
Across the United States, veterinary practices struggle with one of the most overlooked, but most dangerous, compliance challenges: record retention. Every practice knows they must keep records… but for how long?
Evacuation Plans, What Every Workplace Needs To Know
In the event of an emergency, the most important thing isn’t equipment, records, or inventory, it’s lives. Having a clear, well-communicated, and regularly practiced evacuation plan can make the difference between chaos and calm, injury and safety. While emergencies may feel unlikely, events like fires, explosions, natural disasters, chemical leaks, and even active threats can happen anywhere, at any time.
Why Self-Inspections Are a Non-Negotiable for DEA Compliance in Medical Facilities
In the high-stakes world of human and veterinary medical care, the focus is naturally on patient safety and outcomes. But behind the scenes, compliance and recordkeeping are equally critical – especially when it comes to handling controlled substances. One area that’s often overlooked, yet incredibly powerful in avoiding costly violations and operational disruptions, is the […]
DEA Administrative Hearing Delays – What Registrants Need to Know and How to Prepare
Last week, federal registrants awaiting decisions on show cause orders, license suspensions, or denial appeals received troubling news: Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John J. Mulrooney, II announced his retirement effective August 1, 2025. With his departure, the DEA’s Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) will have no available ALJs to preside over pending cases. As a result, all hearings have been postponed indefinitely.