Controlled Substances Act (CSA, 1970)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The CSA consolidated federal drug laws and established a comprehensive system for regulating the manufacture, distribution, and possession of controlled substances. It was part of President Nixon’s broader “War on Drugs.”

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Earlier laws like the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act (1914) and the Marijuana Tax Act (1937) regulated certain drugs but lacked a uniform system. The CSA centralized authority under federal law.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it was necessary to combat drug abuse and trafficking. Critics say it fueled mass incarceration, disproportionately impacted minority communities, and restricted medical research on substances like cannabis.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Manufacturers and distributors of controlled substances
• Healthcare providers and pharmacies (must register with DEA)
• Individuals (possession, trafficking, and use regulated)
• DEA (enforces scheduling and compliance)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• 21 U.S.C. § 812: Schedules of controlled substances (I–V)
• 21 U.S.C. § 841: Prohibited acts and penalties for drug trafficking
• 21 U.S.C. § 844: Penalties for simple possession
• 21 U.S.C. § 871: Enforcement authority

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Ongoing debates about rescheduling or descheduling marijuana
• Fentanyl and opioid crisis driving new enforcement and public health measures
• Calls for reform to address racial disparities in drug enforcement

8) Official Sources

• U.S. Code – Title 21, Chapter 13
• DEA – Controlled Substances Act
• Congressional Research Service – CSA Overview

• Criminal Law
• Public Health
• Drugs
• DEA
• Federal Enforcement