Controlled Substances: FAQ

No, most drugs are considered pharmaceuticals and are not CS. Examples of drugs that are not CS are Donepezil, Xylazine, and Atropine.

Search the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) List of Controlled Substances (PDF) to see if a drug is considered a CS. Another way to tell if a drug is a CS, is to check the label for the letter “C” with a Roman numeral I through V next to it (example: C-IV). This method will not work if the item was made prior to becoming scheduled. 

The federal government assigns each CS a schedule number (I through V) according to its medicinal value, harmfulness, and potential for abuse or addiction. The DEA code is a 4-digit number assigned to each CS. Find schedule numbers and DEA codes at the DEA website.

A higher schedule number indicates the substance has more medicinal value and less potential for abuse or addiction. The letter "N" can also accompany the schedule number, signifying the substance is a non-narcotic. If the DEA website has "N" in the NARC column, the item is a non-narcotic and is denoted by the Roman numeral and an “N” (e.g., IIN). If the DEA website has a "Y" in the NARC column, the item is a narcotic and is denoted so by the absence of the "N" (e.g., II).

The most common CS used in research and their schedule numbers and DEA codes are:

Use the CSUA application to manage your Authorized Personnel (AP). From the My CSUA tab, PIs and CSUA Lab Contacts can add or remove Authorized Personnel, assign privileges, upload PSDS Forms for Controlled Substances Program review, and view the approval status of individuals.

How to manage AP online:

1. Go to the online CSUA application.
2. Under the My CSUA tab, select My CSUA list. 
3. Select the appropriate CSUA and click the ‘View/ Amend CSUA’ button at the bottom of the screen.
4. Using the navigation on the left side of the screen, click on section 3-Authorized Personnel to manage the AP list.
5. Use the search utility at the bottom of the screen to find the person to be added.
6. Click the radio button next to the name of the person to be added and click the ‘Add to Personnel List’ button.
   1. Designate the person’s additional responsibilities:
      1. Authorized Recipient – those with the privilege to pick up CS packages when they arrive at EH&S
      2. Storage Key/Code – those with access to the CS Storage Key or Combination Code
   2. Be sure to click the ‘Save’ button at the bottom of the page to save the changes

When an individual is added to the AP list, an e-mail notification is automatically sent to the individual instructing them to complete 2 actions:

1. Submit a Personnel Screening Data Sheet- Applicant form. 
2. Complete the required Controlled Substances Training eCourse on UC Learning Center.

See Controlled Substance Use Application, under "Manage Authorized Personnel" for more details.

Diverting CS from research purposes is one way CS are acquired for illegal recreational use. The PSDS helps restrict CS access to Authorized Personnel, and identify and prohibit access to people with a criminal history of CS diversion or other disqualifications.

The PSDS also documents the individual’s acknowledgement of responsibility to notify the CSP of CS loss or diversion.

Select the appropriate PSDS Form (PDF) below:

• Individual Applicant – CSUA Lab Contacts and other individuals
• Principal Investigator – for PIs only

Read and follow instructions at the top of the form.

First, make sure all of the CS in the inventory has been accounted for on the CS Usage Log and make sure that the bottle is completely empty. The CSP defines completely empty, as no movable droplets or solids in the container. Any CS containers, including dilutions that have movable liquid or powder must be returned to the CSP for disposal (ehscs@ucsd.edu or 858-534-9016).

More information and stepwise instructions on how to dispose of empty CS containers can be found on the CS Disposals page. 

Listed chemicals, are chemicals that may be used to manufacture CS and are regulated by the DEA. California’s Department of Justice has an overlapping list and are often referred to as precursor chemicals. List I chemicals and CAlifornia's precursor list of chemicals are controlled in order to prevent the illicit manufacture of CS. Examples of listed chemicals include Methylamine, Pseudoephedrine and Piperidine.

• List I and II Chemicals, DEA
• California Precursor Chemicals (PDF)

Chemical vendors who sell, transfer, or furnish listed chemicals must report to the state or federal government who purchased the chemical and for what purpose. To facilitate in making this report, chemical vendors increasingly require a DEA registration number to purchase List I and California precursor chemicals.

To acquire listed chemicals for nonclinical (research or teaching) purposes, you must have a CSUA from Controlled Substances Program (CSP) prior to obtaining listed chemicals. CS orders are placed in the CSUA application. A DEA code and schedule number do not apply to these items.

Store listed chemicals according to their hazard type described on Chemical Storage and Inventory Guidelines. List I and California precursor chemicals must also be stored in a Controlled Substances Program (CSP) approved locked storage area within a room that's under human surveillance or locked when not staffed.

Contact the CSP, (858) 534-1362 or (858) 534-9016, for a storage consultation prior to requesting listed chemicals.

Only the PI, CS Lab Contacts, and Department Chair/Reviewer, as named in current or pending CSUAs, can access the online CSUA application through the “My Research Safety” portal. Once you click on “Controlled Substance Use Authorization,” your login will be authenticated through Single Sign On. Individuals will be able to access CSUA information as their role permits.

If you require login access to the CSUA application, please have either your PI or CS Lab Contact update the CSUA to list you as a Lab Contact in section 2 of the CSUA. At that time an email with the PSDS form and training requirement will be sent to become an authorized personnel. Mark Primary or Secondary lab contact at the top of the PSDS to designate CS Lab Contact status.