Browse Arkansas Code titles and sections
21 U.S.C. § 841 — Prohibited acts A
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
Page 839
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
issued, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
report to the Attorney General the authoriza-
tion of that emergency prescription.
(j) Clarification concerning prescription trans-
fers
Any transfer between pharmacies of informa-
tion relating to a prescription for a controlled
substance shall meet the applicable require-
ments under regulations promulgated by the At-
torney General under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 91–513, title II, § 311, as added Pub. L.
110–425, § 3(d)(1), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4825;
amended Pub. L. 115–271, title III, § 3232, Oct. 24,
2018, 132 Stat. 3950; Pub. L. 117–215, title I,
§ 103(b)(1)(F), Dec. 2, 2022, 136 Stat. 2263.)
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
Section 309, referred to in subsec. (c)(7), is section 309
of Pub. L. 91–513, which is classified to section 829 of
this title.
For effective date of this section, referred to in sub-
sec. (d)(3), see Effective Date note below.
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assist-
ance Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), (2)(B), is Pub. L.
93–638, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2203, which is classified
principally to chapter 46 (§ 5301 et seq.) of Title 25, Indi-
ans. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title note set out under section 5301 of Title
25 and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (j), was in the
original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 91–513, Oct. 27,
1970, 84 Stat. 1236. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under sec-
tion 801 of this title and Tables.
AMENDMENTS
2022—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–215 substituted
‘‘823(g)’’ for ‘‘823(f)’’ wherever appearing.
2018—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–271 amended par. (2)
generally. Prior to amendment, te
Source: Supplied 2024 U.S. Code historical extraction · 21 U.S.C. § 841
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. A text match is a research starting point; applicability is not established.
Original supplied file — preserved unchanged
Download original Markdown file
File SHA-256: 3bd5fb35a9758f235a554638fec21c9b81e12169bcaecde27f0ec63896248471. The original may include catalog metadata, neighboring provisions, or embedded records outside this collection's scope. Search shows only the selected federal record. Historical editions and unverified snapshots are not a statement of current law.
Authority boundary: historical or unconfirmed source not current law verified.
Open the recorded source website ↗
Record provenance
Stable record: federal_law:legal_authorities:usc2024-b7d8a13b4c8b08113d3b0250
Source file: Laws/federal/codes/united-states-code-2024/title-21/section-841-prohibited-acts-a--de3547a0f2.md
Pages: Not recorded – Not recorded
Passage SHA-256: 3518fa16aaebbcba4c86482552826a477eaeb038d6e2519a21531cf9328e7f6a
Source location: USCODE-2024-title21-chap13-subchapI-partD-sec841.pdf
Stored source content
Page 839
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
issued, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
report to the Attorney General the authoriza-
tion of that emergency prescription.
(j) Clarification concerning prescription trans-
fers
Any transfer between pharmacies of informa-
tion relating to a prescription for a controlled
substance shall meet the applicable require-
ments under regulations promulgated by the At-
torney General under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 91–513, title II, § 311, as added Pub. L.
110–425, § 3(d)(1), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4825;
amended Pub. L. 115–271, title III, § 3232, Oct. 24,
2018, 132 Stat. 3950; Pub. L. 117–215, title I,
§ 103(b)(1)(F), Dec. 2, 2022, 136 Stat. 2263.)
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
Section 309, referred to in subsec. (c)(7), is section 309
of Pub. L. 91–513, which is classified to section 829 of
this title.
For effective date of this section, referred to in sub-
sec. (d)(3), see Effective Date note below.
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assist-
ance Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), (2)(B), is Pub. L.
93–638, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2203, which is classified
principally to chapter 46 (§ 5301 et seq.) of Title 25, Indi-
ans. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title note set out under section 5301 of Title
25 and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (j), was in the
original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 91–513, Oct. 27,
1970, 84 Stat. 1236. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under sec-
tion 801 of this title and Tables.
AMENDMENTS
2022—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–215 substituted
‘‘823(g)’’ for ‘‘823(f)’’ wherever appearing.
2018—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–271 amended par. (2)
generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:
‘‘The Attorney General shall, with the concurrence of
the Secretary, promulgate regulations specifying the
limited circumstances in which a special registration
under this subsection may be issued and the procedures
for obtaining such a special registration.’’
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE
Section effective 180 days after Oct. 15, 2008, except as
otherwise provided, see section 3(j) of Pub. L. 110–425,
set out as an Effective Date of 2008 Amendment note
under section 802 of this title.
§ 832. Suspicious orders
(a) Reporting
Each registrant shall—
(1) design and operate a system to identify
suspicious orders for the registrant;
(2) ensure that the system designed and op-
erated under paragraph (1) by the registrant
complies with applicable Federal and State
privacy laws; and
(3) upon discovering a suspicious order or se-
ries of orders, notify the Administrator of the
Drug Enforcement Administration and the
Special Agent in Charge of the Division Office
of the Drug Enforcement Administration for
the area in which the registrant is located or
conducts business.
(b) Suspicious order database
(1) In general
Not later than 1 year after October 24, 2018,
the Attorney General shall establish a central-
ized database for collecting reports of sus-
picious orders.
(2) Satisfaction of reporting requirements
If a registrant reports a suspicious order to
the centralized database established under
paragraph (1), the registrant shall be consid-
ered to have complied with the requirement
under subsection (a)(3) to notify the Adminis-
trator of the Drug Enforcement Administra-
tion and the Special Agent in Charge of the
Division Office of the Drug Enforcement Ad-
ministration for the area in which the reg-
istrant is located or conducts business.
(c) Sharing information with the States
(1) In general
The Attorney General shall prepare and
make available information regarding sus-
picious orders in a State, including informa-
tion in the database established under sub-
section (b)(1), to the point of contact for pur-
poses of administrative, civil, and criminal
oversight relating to the diversion of con-
trolled substances for the State, as designated
by the Governor or chief executive officer of
the State.
(2) Timing
The Attorney General shall provide informa-
tion in accordance with paragraph (1) within a
reasonable period of time after obtaining the
information.
(3) Coordination
In establishing the process for the provision
of information under this subsection, the At-
torney General shall coordinate with States to
ensure that the Attorney General has access
to information, as permitted under State law,
possessed by the States relating to prescrip-
tions for controlled substances that will assist
in enforcing Federal law.
(Pub. L. 91–513, title II, § 312, as added Pub. L.
115–271, title III, § 3292(b), Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat.
3956.)
PART D—OFFENSES AND PENALTIES
§ 841. Prohibited acts A
(a) Unlawful acts
Except as authorized by this subchapter, it
shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or
intentionally—
(1) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense,
or possess with intent to manufacture, dis-
tribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or
(2) to create, distribute, or dispense, or pos-
sess with intent to distribute or dispense, a
counterfeit substance.
(b) Penalties
Except as otherwise provided in section 849,
859, 860, or 861 of this title, any person who vio-
lates subsection (a) of this section shall be sen-
tenced as follows:
(1)(A) In the case of a violation of subsection
(a) of this section involving—
Page 840
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
(i) 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of her-
oin;
(ii) 5 kilograms or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of—
(I) coca leaves, except coca leaves and ex-
tracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ec-
gonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their
salts have been removed;
(II) cocaine, its salts, optical and geo-
metric isomers, and salts of isomers;
(III) ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts,
isomers, and salts of isomers; or
(IV) any compound, mixture, or prepara-
tion which contains any quantity of any of
the substances referred to in subclauses (I)
through (III);
(iii) 280 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance described in clause (ii) which contains
cocaine base;
(iv) 100 grams or more of phencyclidine
(PCP) or 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or
substance containing a detectable amount of
phencyclidine (PCP);
(v) 10 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of ly-
sergic acid diethylamide (LSD);
(vi) 400 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of N-
phenyl-N- [ 1- ( 2-phenylethyl ) -4-piperidinyl ]
propanamide or 100 grams or more of a mix-
ture or substance containing a detectable
amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide;
(vii) 1000 kilograms or more of a mixture or
substance containing a detectable amount of
marihuana, or 1,000 or more marihuana plants
regardless of weight; or
(viii) 50 grams or more of methamphet-
amine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its iso-
mers or 500 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of
methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts
of its isomers;
such person shall be sentenced to a term of im-
prisonment which may not be less than 10 years
or more than life and if death or serious bodily
injury results from the use of such substance
shall be not less than 20 years or more than life,
a fine not to exceed the greater of that author-
ized in accordance with the provisions of title 18
or $10,000,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$50,000,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. If any person commits such a
violation after a prior conviction for a serious
drug felony or serious violent felony has become
final, such person shall be sentenced to a term
of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and
not more than life imprisonment and if death or
serious bodily injury results from the use of
such substance shall be sentenced to life impris-
onment, a fine not to exceed the greater of twice
that authorized in accordance with the provi-
sions of title 18 or $20,000,000 if the defendant is
an individual or $75,000,000 if the defendant is
other than an individual, or both. If any person
commits a violation of this subparagraph or of
section 849, 859, 860, or 861 of this title after 2 or
more prior convictions for a serious drug felony
or serious violent felony have become final, such
person shall be sentenced to a term of imprison-
ment of not less than 25 years and fined in ac-
cordance with the preceding sentence. Notwith-
standing section 3583 of title 18, any sentence
under this subparagraph shall, in the absence of
such a prior conviction, impose a term of super-
vised release of at least 5 years in addition to
such term of imprisonment and shall, if there
was such a prior conviction, impose a term of
supervised release of at least 10 years in addi-
tion to such term of imprisonment. Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, the court
shall not place on probation or suspend the sen-
tence of any person sentenced under this sub-
paragraph. No person sentenced under this sub-
paragraph shall be eligible for parole during the
term of imprisonment imposed therein.
(B) In the case of a violation of subsection (a)
of this section involving—
(i) 100 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of her-
oin;
(ii) 500 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of—
(I) coca leaves, except coca leaves and ex-
tracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ec-
gonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their
salts have been removed;
(II) cocaine, its salts, optical and geo-
metric isomers, and salts of isomers;
(III) ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts,
isomers, and salts of isomers; or
(IV) any compound, mixture, or prepara-
tion which contains any quantity of any of
the substances referred to in subclauses (I)
through (III);
(iii) 28 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance described in clause (ii) which contains
cocaine base;
(iv) 10 grams or more of phencyclidine (PCP)
or 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance
containing
a
detectable
amount
of
phencyclidine (PCP);
(v) 1 gram or more of a mixture or substance
containing a detectable amount of lysergic
acid diethylamide (LSD);
(vi) 40 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of N-
phenyl-N- [ 1- ( 2-phenylethyl ) -4-piperidinyl ]
propanamide or 10 grams or more of a mixture
or substance containing a detectable amount
of
any
analogue
of
N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-
phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide;
(vii) 100 kilograms or more of a mixture or
substance containing a detectable amount of
marihuana, or 100 or more marihuana plants
regardless of weight; or
(viii) 5 grams or more of methamphetamine,
its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or 50
grams or more of a mixture or substance con-
taining a detectable amount of methamphet-
amine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its iso-
mers;
such person shall be sentenced to a term of im-
prisonment which may not be less than 5 years
and not more than 40 years and if death or seri-
ous bodily injury results from the use of such
substance shall be not less than 20 years or more
than life, a fine not to exceed the greater of that
authorized in accordance with the provisions of
Page 841
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
title 18 or $5,000,000 if the defendant is an indi-
vidual or $25,000,000 if the defendant is other
than an individual, or both. If any person com-
mits such a violation after a prior conviction for
a serious drug felony or serious violent felony
has become final, such person shall be sentenced
to a term of imprisonment which may not be
less than 10 years and not more than life impris-
onment and if death or serious bodily injury re-
sults from the use of such substance shall be
sentenced to life imprisonment, a fine not to ex-
ceed the greater of twice that authorized in ac-
cordance with the provisions of title 18 or
$8,000,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$50,000,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. Notwithstanding section 3583 of
title 18, any sentence imposed under this sub-
paragraph shall, in the absence of such a prior
conviction, include a term of supervised release
of at least 4 years in addition to such term of
imprisonment and shall, if there was such a
prior conviction, include a term of supervised
release of at least 8 years in addition to such
term of imprisonment. Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the court shall not place
on probation or suspend the sentence of any per-
son sentenced under this subparagraph. No per-
son sentenced under this subparagraph shall be
eligible for parole during the term of imprison-
ment imposed therein.
(C) In the case of a controlled substance in
schedule I or II, gamma hydroxybutyric acid (in-
cluding when scheduled as an approved drug
product for purposes of section 3(a)(1)(B) of the
Hillory J. Farias and Samantha Reid Date-Rape
Drug Prohibition Act of 2000), or 1 gram of
flunitrazepam, except as provided in subpara-
graphs (A), (B), and (D), such person shall be
sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 20 years and if death or serious bodily
injury results from the use of such substance
shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of
not less than twenty years or more than life, a
fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized
in accordance with the provisions of title 18 or
$1,000,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$5,000,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. If any person commits such a
violation after a prior conviction for a felony
drug offense has become final, such person shall
be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 30 years and if death or serious bodily
injury results from the use of such substance
shall be sentenced to life imprisonment, a fine
not to exceed the greater of twice that author-
ized in accordance with the provisions of title 18
or $2,000,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$10,000,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. Notwithstanding section 3583 of
title 18, any sentence imposing a term of impris-
onment under this paragraph shall, in the ab-
sence of such a prior conviction, impose a term
of supervised release of at least 3 years in addi-
tion to such term of imprisonment and shall, if
there was such a prior conviction, impose a term
of supervised release of at least 6 years in addi-
tion to such term of imprisonment. Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, the court
shall not place on probation or suspend the sen-
tence of any person sentenced under the provi-
sions of this subparagraph which provide for a
mandatory term of imprisonment if death or se-
rious bodily injury results, nor shall a person so
sentenced be eligible for parole during the term
of such a sentence.
(D) In the case of less than 50 kilograms of
marihuana, except in the case of 50 or more mar-
ihuana plants regardless of weight, 10 kilograms
of hashish, or one kilogram of hashish oil, such
person shall, except as provided in paragraphs
(4) and (5) of this subsection, be sentenced to a
term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years,
a fine not to exceed the greater of that author-
ized in accordance with the provisions of title 18
or $250,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$1,000,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. If any person commits such a
violation after a prior conviction for a felony
drug offense has become final, such person shall
be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 10 years, a fine not to exceed the
greater of twice that authorized in accordance
with the provisions of title 18 or $500,000 if the
defendant is an individual or $2,000,000 if the de-
fendant is other than an individual, or both.
Notwithstanding section 3583 of title 18, any sen-
tence imposing a term of imprisonment under
this paragraph shall, in the absence of such a
prior conviction, impose a term of supervised re-
lease of at least 2 years in addition to such term
of imprisonment and shall, if there was such a
prior conviction, impose a term of supervised re-
lease of at least 4 years in addition to such term
of imprisonment.
(E)(i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (C)
and (D), in the case of any controlled substance
in schedule III, such person shall be sentenced to
a term of imprisonment of not more than 10
years and if death or serious bodily injury re-
sults from the use of such substance shall be
sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 15 years, a fine not to exceed the
greater of that authorized in accordance with
the provisions of title 18 or $500,000 if the defend-
ant is an individual or $2,500,000 if the defendant
is other than an individual, or both.
(ii) If any person commits such a violation
after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense
has become final, such person shall be sentenced
to a term of imprisonment of not more than 20
years and if death or serious bodily injury re-
sults from the use of such substance shall be
sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 30 years, a fine not to exceed the
greater of twice that authorized in accordance
with the provisions of title 18 or $1,000,000 if the
defendant is an individual or $5,000,000 if the de-
fendant is other than an individual, or both.
(iii) Any sentence imposing a term of impris-
onment under this subparagraph shall, in the ab-
sence of such a prior conviction, impose a term
of supervised release of at least 2 years in addi-
tion to such term of imprisonment and shall, if
there was such a prior conviction, impose a term
of supervised release of at least 4 years in addi-
tion to such term of imprisonment.
(2) In the case of a controlled substance in
schedule IV, such person shall be sentenced to a
term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years,
a fine not to exceed the greater of that author-
ized in accordance with the provisions of title 18
or $250,000 if the defendant is an individual or
Page 842
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
$1,000,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. If any person commits such a
violation after a prior conviction for a felony
drug offense has become final, such person shall
be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 10 years, a fine not to exceed the
greater of twice that authorized in accordance
with the provisions of title 18 or $500,000 if the
defendant is an individual or $2,000,000 if the de-
fendant is other than an individual, or both. Any
sentence imposing a term of imprisonment
under this paragraph shall, in the absence of
such a prior conviction, impose a term of super-
vised release of at least one year in addition to
such term of imprisonment and shall, if there
was such a prior conviction, impose a term of
supervised release of at least 2 years in addition
to such term of imprisonment.
(3) In the case of a controlled substance in
schedule V, such person shall be sentenced to a
term of imprisonment of not more than one
year, a fine not to exceed the greater of that au-
thorized in accordance with the provisions of
title 18 or $100,000 if the defendant is an indi-
vidual or $250,000 if the defendant is other than
an individual, or both. If any person commits
such a violation after a prior conviction for a
felony drug offense has become final, such per-
son shall be sentenced to a term of imprison-
ment of not more than 4 years, a fine not to ex-
ceed the greater of twice that authorized in ac-
cordance with the provisions of title 18 or
$200,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$500,000 if the defendant is other than an indi-
vidual, or both. Any sentence imposing a term
of imprisonment under this paragraph may, if
there was a prior conviction, impose a term of
supervised release of not more than 1 year, in
addition to such term of imprisonment.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(D) of this
subsection, any person who violates subsection
(a) of this section by distributing a small
amount of marihuana for no remuneration shall
be treated as provided in section 844 of this title
and section 3607 of title 18.
(5) Any person who violates subsection (a) of
this section by cultivating or manufacturing a
controlled substance on Federal property shall
be imprisoned as provided in this subsection and
shall be fined any amount not to exceed—
(A) the amount authorized in accordance
with this section;
(B) the amount authorized in accordance
with the provisions of title 18;
(C) $500,000 if the defendant is an individual;
or
(D) $1,000,000 if the defendant is other than
an individual;
or both.
(6) Any person who violates subsection (a), or
attempts to do so, and knowingly or inten-
tionally uses a poison, chemical, or other haz-
ardous substance on Federal land, and, by such
use—
(A) creates a serious hazard to humans, wild-
life, or domestic animals,
(B) degrades or harms the environment or
natural resources, or
(C) pollutes an aquifer, spring, stream, river,
or body of water,
shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or im-
prisoned not more than five years, or both.
(7) PENALTIES FOR DISTRIBUTION.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Whoever, with intent to
commit a crime of violence, as defined in sec-
tion 16 of title 18 (including rape), against an
individual, violates subsection (a) by distrib-
uting a controlled substance or controlled sub-
stance analogue to that individual without
that individual’s knowledge, shall be impris-
oned not more than 20 years and fined in ac-
cordance with title 18.
(B) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this para-
graph, the term ‘‘without that individual’s
knowledge’’ means that the individual is un-
aware that a substance with the ability to
alter that individual’s ability to appraise con-
duct or to decline participation in or commu-
nicate unwillingness to participate in conduct
is administered to the individual.
(c) Offenses involving listed chemicals
Any person who knowingly or intentionally—
(1) possesses a listed chemical with intent to
manufacture a controlled substance except as
authorized by this subchapter;
(2) possesses or distributes a listed chemical
knowing, or having reasonable cause to be-
lieve, that the listed chemical will be used to
manufacture a controlled substance except as
authorized by this subchapter; or
(3) with the intent of causing the evasion of
the recordkeeping or reporting requirements
of section 830 of this title, or the regulations
issued under that section, receives or distrib-
utes a reportable amount of any listed chem-
ical in units small enough so that the making
of records or filing of reports under that sec-
tion is not required;
shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or im-
prisoned not more than 20 years in the case of a
violation of paragraph (1) or (2) involving a list
I chemical or not more than 10 years in the case
of a violation of this subsection other than a
violation of paragraph (1) or (2) involving a list
I chemical, or both.
(d) Boobytraps on Federal property; penalties;
‘‘boobytrap’’ defined
(1) Any person who assembles, maintains,
places, or causes to be placed a boobytrap on
Federal property where a controlled substance is
being manufactured, distributed, or dispensed
shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for
not more than 10 years or fined under title 18, or
both.
(2) If any person commits such a violation
after 1 or more prior convictions for an offense
punishable under this subsection, such person
shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of
not more than 20 years or fined under title 18, or
both.
(3) For the purposes of this subsection, the
term ‘‘boobytrap’’ means any concealed or cam-
ouflaged device designed to cause bodily injury
when
triggered
by
any
action
of
any
unsuspecting person making contact with the
device. Such term includes guns, ammunition,
or explosive devices attached to trip wires or
other triggering mechanisms, sharpened stakes,
and lines or wires with hooks attached.
(e) Ten-year injunction as additional penalty
In addition to any other applicable penalty,
any person convicted of a felony violation of
Page 843
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
1 So in original. Probably should be ‘‘health’’.
2 So in original. Probably should be ‘‘section’’.
this section relating to the receipt, distribution,
manufacture, exportation, or importation of a
listed chemical may be enjoined from engaging
in any transaction involving a listed chemical
for not more than ten years.
(f) Wrongful distribution or possession of listed
chemicals
(1) Whoever knowingly distributes a listed
chemical in violation of this subchapter (other
than in violation of a recordkeeping or reporting
requirement of section 830 of this title) shall, ex-
cept to the extent that paragraph (12), (13), or
(14) of section 842(a) of this title applies, be fined
under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 5
years, or both.
(2) Whoever possesses any listed chemical,
with knowledge that the recordkeeping or re-
porting requirements of section 830 of this title
have not been adhered to, if, after such knowl-
edge is acquired, such person does not take im-
mediate steps to remedy the violation shall be
fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than
one year, or both.
(g) Internet sales of date rape drugs
(1) Whoever knowingly uses the Internet to
distribute a date rape drug to any person, know-
ing or with reasonable cause to believe that—
(A) the drug would be used in the commis-
sion of criminal sexual conduct; or
(B) the person is not an authorized pur-
chaser;
shall be fined under this subchapter or impris-
oned not more than 20 years, or both.
(2) As used in this subsection:
(A) The term ‘‘date rape drug’’ means—
(i) gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or
any controlled substance analogue of GHB,
including gamma butyrolactone (GBL) or
1,4–butanediol;
(ii) ketamine;
(iii) flunitrazepam; or
(iv) any substance which the Attorney
General designates, pursuant to the rule-
making procedures prescribed by section 553
of title 5, to be used in committing rape or
sexual assault.
The Attorney General is authorized to remove
any substance from the list of date rape drugs
pursuant to the same rulemaking authority.
(B) The term ‘‘authorized purchaser’’ means
any of the following persons, provided such
person has acquired the controlled substance
in accordance with this chapter:
(i) A person with a valid prescription that
is issued for a legitimate medical purpose in
the usual course of professional practice
that is based upon a qualifying medical rela-
tionship by a practitioner registered by the
Attorney General. A ‘‘qualifying medical re-
lationship’’ means a medical relationship
that exists when the practitioner has con-
ducted at least 1 medical evaluation with
the authorized purchaser in the physical
presence of the practitioner, without regard
to whether portions of the evaluation are
conducted by other heath 1
professionals.
The preceding sentence shall not be con-
strued to imply that 1 medical evaluation
demonstrates that a prescription has been
issued for a legitimate medical purpose
within the usual course of professional prac-
tice.
(ii) Any practitioner or other registrant
who is otherwise authorized by their reg-
istration to dispense, procure, purchase,
manufacture, transfer, distribute, import, or
export the substance under this chapter.
(iii) A person or entity providing docu-
mentation that establishes the name, ad-
dress, and business of the person or entity
and which provides a legitimate purpose for
using any ‘‘date rape drug’’ for which a pre-
scription is not required.
(3) The Attorney General is authorized to pro-
mulgate regulations for record-keeping and re-
porting by persons handling 1,4–butanediol in
order to implement and enforce the provisions of
this section. Any record or report required by
such regulations shall be considered a record or
report required under this chapter.
(h) Offenses involving dispensing of controlled
substances by means of the Internet
(1) In general
It shall be unlawful for any person to know-
ingly or intentionally—
(A) deliver, distribute, or dispense a con-
trolled substance by means of the Internet,
except as authorized by this subchapter; or
(B) aid or abet (as such terms are used in
section 2 of title 18) any activity described
in subparagraph (A) that is not authorized
by this subchapter.
(2) Examples
Examples of activities that violate para-
graph (1) include, but are not limited to,
knowingly or intentionally—
(A) delivering, distributing, or dispensing
a controlled substance by means of the
Internet by an online pharmacy that is not
validly registered with a modification au-
thorizing such activity as required by sec-
tion 823(g) of this title (unless exempt from
such registration);
(B) writing a prescription for a controlled
substance for the purpose of delivery, dis-
tribution, or dispensation by means of the
Internet in violation of section 829(e) of this
title;
(C) serving as an agent, intermediary, or
other entity that causes the Internet to be
used to bring together a buyer and seller to
engage in the dispensing of a controlled sub-
stance in a manner not authorized by sec-
tions 2 823(g) or 829(e) of this title;
(D) offering to fill a prescription for a con-
trolled substance based solely on a con-
sumer’s completion of an online medical
questionnaire; and
(E) making a material false, fictitious, or
fraudulent statement or representation in a
notification or declaration under subsection
(d) or (e), respectively, of section 831 of this
title.
(3) Inapplicability
(A) This subsection does not apply to—
Page 844
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
(i) the delivery, distribution, or dispensa-
tion of controlled substances by nonpracti-
tioners to the extent authorized by their
registration under this subchapter;
(ii) the placement on the Internet of mate-
rial that merely advocates the use of a con-
trolled substance or includes pricing infor-
mation without attempting to propose or fa-
cilitate an actual transaction involving a
controlled substance; or
(iii) except as provided in subparagraph
(B), any activity that is limited to—
(I) the provision of a telecommuni-
cations service, or of an Internet access
service or Internet information location
tool (as those terms are defined in section
231 of title 47); or
(II) the transmission, storage, retrieval,
hosting, formatting, or translation (or any
combination thereof) of a communication,
without selection or alteration of the con-
tent of the communication, except that de-
letion of a particular communication or
material made by another person in a
manner consistent with section 230(c) of
title 47 shall not constitute such selection
or alteration of the content of the commu-
nication.
(B) The exceptions under subclauses (I) and
(II) of subparagraph (A)(iii) shall not apply to
a person acting in concert with a person who
violates paragraph (1).
(4) Knowing or intentional violation
Any person who knowingly or intentionally
violates this subsection shall be sentenced in
accordance with subsection (b).
(Pub. L. 91–513, title II, § 401, Oct. 27, 1970, 84
Stat. 1260; Pub. L. 95–633, title II, § 201, Nov. 10,
1978, 92 Stat. 3774; Pub. L. 96–359, § 8(c), Sept. 26,
1980, 94 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 98–473, title II,
§§ 224(a), 502, 503(b)(1), (2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat.
2030, 2068, 2070; Pub. L. 99–570, title I, §§ 1002,
1003(a), 1004(a), 1005(a), 1103, title XV, § 15005, Oct.
27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–2, 3207–5, 3207–6, 3207–11,
3207–192; Pub. L. 100–690, title VI, §§ 6055, 6254(h),
6452(a), 6470(g), (h), 6479, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat.
4318, 4367, 4371, 4378, 4381; Pub. L. 101–647, title X,
§ 1002(e), title XII, § 1202, title XXXV, § 3599K,
Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4828, 4830, 4932; Pub. L.
103–322, title IX, § 90105(a), (c), title XVIII,
§ 180201(b)(2)(A), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1987, 1988,
2047; Pub. L. 104–237, title II, § 206(a), title III,
§ 302(a), Oct. 3, 1996, 110 Stat. 3103, 3105; Pub. L.
104–305, § 2(a), (b)(1), Oct. 13, 1996, 110 Stat. 3807;
Pub. L. 105–277, div. E, § 2(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112
Stat. 2681–759; Pub. L. 106–172, §§ 3(b)(1), 5(b), 9,
Feb. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 9, 10, 13; Pub. L. 107–273,
div. B, title III, § 3005(a), title IV, § 4002(d)(2)(A),
Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1805, 1809; Pub. L. 109–177,
title VII, §§ 711(f)(1)(B), 732, Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat.
262, 270; Pub. L. 109–248, title II, § 201, July 27,
2006, 120 Stat. 611; Pub. L. 110–425, § 3(e), (f), Oct.
15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4828, 4829; Pub. L. 111–220,
§§ 2(a), 4(a), Aug. 3, 2010, 124 Stat. 2372; Pub. L.
115–391, title IV, § 401(a)(2), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat.
5220; Pub. L. 117–215, title I, § 103(b)(1)(G), Dec. 2,
2022, 136 Stat. 2263.)
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
This subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b)(1),
(c)(1), (2), (f)(1), (g)(1), and (h)(1), (3)(A)(i), was in the
original ‘‘this title’’, meaning title II of Pub. L. 91–513,
Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1242, and is popularly known as
the ‘‘Controlled Substances Act’’. For complete classi-
fication of title II to the Code, see second paragraph of
Short Title note set out under section 801 of this title
and Tables.
Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V, referred to in subsec.
(b), are set out in section 812(c) of this title.
Section 3(a)(1)(B) of the Hillory J. Farias and
Samantha Reid Date-Rape Prohibition Act of 2000, re-
ferred to in subsec. (b)(1)(C), is section 3(a)(1)(B) of Pub.
L. 106–172, which is set out in a note under section 812
of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (g)(2)(B), (3), was
in the original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 91–513, Oct.
27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1236. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under sec-
tion 801 of this title and Tables.
AMENDMENTS
2022—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 117–215 substituted
‘‘823(g)’’ for ‘‘823(f)’’ in two places.
2018—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–391, § 401(a)(2)(A),
in concluding provisions, substituted ‘‘If any person
commits such a violation after a prior conviction for a
serious drug felony or serious violent felony has be-
come final, such person shall be sentenced to a term of
imprisonment of not less than 15 years’’ for ‘‘If any per-
son commits such a violation after a prior conviction
for a felony drug offense has become final, such person
shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which
may not be less than 20 years’’ and ‘‘after 2 or more
prior convictions for a serious drug felony or serious
violent felony have become final, such person shall be
sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than
25 years’’ for ‘‘after two or more prior convictions for
a felony drug offense have become final, such person
shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of life impris-
onment without release’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–391, § 401(a)(2)(B), in con-
cluding provisions, substituted ‘‘If any person commits
such a violation after a prior conviction for a serious
drug felony or serious violent felony has become final’’
for ‘‘If any person commits such a violation after a
prior conviction for a felony drug offense has become
final’’.
2010—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–220, § 4(a)(1), in
concluding provisions, substituted ‘‘$10,000,000’’ for
‘‘$4,000,000’’, ‘‘$50,000,000’’ for ‘‘$10,000,000’’, ‘‘$20,000,000’’
for ‘‘$8,000,000’’, and ‘‘$75,000,000’’ for ‘‘$20,000,000’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 111–220, § 2(a)(1), sub-
stituted ‘‘280 grams’’ for ‘‘50 grams’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 111–220, § 4(a)(2), in con-
cluding
provisions,
substituted
‘‘$5,000,000’’
for
‘‘$2,000,000’’, ‘‘$25,000,000’’ for ‘‘$5,000,000’’, ‘‘$8,000,000’’
for ‘‘$4,000,000’’, and ‘‘$50,000,000’’ for ‘‘$10,000,000’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 111–220, § 2(a)(2), sub-
stituted ‘‘28 grams’’ for ‘‘5 grams’’.
2008—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 110–425, § 3(e)(1)(A),
struck out ‘‘or in the case of any controlled substance
in schedule III (other than gamma hydroxybutyric
acid), or 30 milligrams of flunitrazepam’’ after ‘‘hashish
oil’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 110–425, § 3(e)(1)(B), added
subpar. (E).
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–425, § 3(e)(2), substituted ‘‘5
years’’ for ‘‘3 years’’, ‘‘10 years’’ for ‘‘6 years’’, and
‘‘after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense has
become final,’’ for ‘‘after one or more prior convictions
of him for an offense punishable under this paragraph,
or for a felony under any other provision of this sub-
chapter or subchapter II of this chapter or other law of
a State, the United States, or a foreign country relat-
ing to narcotic drugs, marihuana, or depressant or
stimulant substances, have become final,’’.
Page 845
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–425, § 3(e)(3), substituted ‘‘4
years’’ for ‘‘2 years’’ and ‘‘after a prior conviction for
a felony drug offense has become final,’’ for ‘‘after one
or more convictions of him for an offense punishable
under this paragraph, or for a crime under any other
provision of this subchapter or subchapter II of this
chapter or other law of a State, the United States, or
a foreign country relating to narcotic drugs, mari-
huana, or depressant or stimulant substances, have be-
come final,’’ and inserted at end ‘‘Any sentence impos-
ing a term of imprisonment under this paragraph may,
if there was a prior conviction, impose a term of super-
vised release of not more than 1 year, in addition to
such term of imprisonment.’’
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–425, § 3(f), added subsec. (h).
2006—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 109–177, § 732, inserted ‘‘or
manufacturing’’ after ‘‘cultivating’’ in introductory
provisions.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 109–177, § 711(f)(1)(B), inserted
‘‘, except to the extent that paragraph (12), (13), or (14)
of section 842(a) of this title applies,’’ after ‘‘shall’’.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–248 added subsec. (g).
2002—Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (B). Pub. L. 107–273, § 3005(a),
substituted ‘‘Notwithstanding section 3583 of title 18,
any sentence’’ for ‘‘Any sentence’’ in concluding provi-
sions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 107–273, § 3005(a), sub-
stituted ‘‘Notwithstanding section 3583 of title 18, any
sentence’’ for ‘‘Any sentence’’.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–273, § 4002(d)(2)(A)(i), sub-
stituted ‘‘or fined under title 18, or both’’ for ‘‘and shall
be fined not more than $10,000’’.
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 107–273, § 4002(d)(2)(A)(ii), sub-
stituted ‘‘or fined under title 18, or both’’ for ‘‘and shall
be fined not more than $20,000’’.
2000—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–172, § 3(b)(1)(A), in-
serted ‘‘gamma hydroxybutyric acid (including when
scheduled as an approved drug product for purposes of
section 3(a)(1)(B) of the Hillory J. Farias and Samantha
Reid Date-Rape Drug Prohibition Act of 2000),’’ after
‘‘schedule I or II,’’ in first sentence.
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 106–172, § 3(b)(1)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘(other than gamma hydroxybutyric acid), or
30’’ for ‘‘, or 30’’.
Subsec. (b)(7)(A). Pub. L. 106–172, § 5(b), inserted ‘‘or
controlled substance analogue’’ after ‘‘distributing a
controlled substance’’.
Subsecs. (c) to (g). Pub. L. 106–172, § 9, redesignated
subsecs. (d) to (g) as (c) to (f), respectively.
1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–277 in subpar. (A)(viii)
substituted ‘‘50 grams’’ and ‘‘500 grams’’ for ‘‘100
grams’’ and ‘‘1 kilogram’’, respectively, and in subpar.
(B)(viii) substituted ‘‘5 grams’’ and ‘‘50 grams’’ for ‘‘10
grams’’ and ‘‘100 grams’’, respectively.
1996—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 104–305, § 2(b)(1)(A), in-
serted ‘‘, or 1 gram of flunitrazepam,’’ after ‘‘schedule
I or II’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 104–305, § 2(b)(1)(B), inserted
‘‘or 30 milligrams of flunitrazepam,’’ after ‘‘schedule
III,’’.
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 104–305, § 2(a), added par. (7).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–237, § 302(a), in concluding pro-
visions, substituted ‘‘not more than 20 years in the case
of a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) involving a list I
chemical or not more than 10 years in the case of a vio-
lation of this subsection other than a violation of para-
graph (1) or (2) involving a list I chemical,’’ for ‘‘not
more than 10 years,’’.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–237, § 206(a), inserted ‘‘manu-
facture, exportation,’’ after ‘‘distribution,’’ and struck
out ‘‘regulated’’ after ‘‘engaging in any’’.
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322, § 180201(b)(2)(A), in-
serted ‘‘849,’’ before ‘‘859,’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec.
(b)(1)(A).
Pub.
L.
103–322,
§§ 90105(c),
180201(b)(2)(A), in concluding provisions, inserted ‘‘849,’’
before ‘‘859,’’ and struck out ‘‘For purposes of this sub-
paragraph, the term ‘felony drug offense’ means an of-
fense that is a felony under any provision of this sub-
chapter or any other Federal law that prohibits or re-
stricts conduct relating to narcotic drugs, marihuana,
or depressant or stimulant substances or a felony under
any law of a State or a foreign country that prohibits
or restricts conduct relating to narcotic drugs, mari-
huana, or depressant or stimulant substances.’’ before
‘‘Any sentence under this subparagraph’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–322, § 90105(a), in sen-
tence in concluding provisions beginning ‘‘If any person
commits’’, substituted ‘‘a prior conviction for a felony
drug offense has become final’’ for ‘‘one or more prior
convictions for an offense punishable under this para-
graph, or for a felony under any other provision of this
subchapter or subchapter II of this chapter or other law
of a State, the United States, or a foreign country re-
lating to narcotic drugs, marihuana, or depressant or
stimulant substances, have become final’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103–322, § 90105(a), in sen-
tence beginning ‘‘If any person commits’’, substituted
‘‘a prior conviction for a felony drug offense has be-
come final’’ for ‘‘one or more prior convictions for an
offense punishable under this paragraph, or for a felony
under any other provision of this subchapter or sub-
chapter II of this chapter or other law of a State, the
United States or a foreign country relating to narcotic
drugs, marihuana, or depressant or stimulant sub-
stances, have become final’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 103–322, § 90105(a), in sen-
tence beginning ‘‘If any person commits’’, substituted
‘‘a prior conviction for a felony drug offense has be-
come final’’ for ‘‘one or more prior convictions of him
for an offense punishable under this paragraph, or for a
felony under any other provision of this subchapter or
subchapter II of this chapter or other law of a State,
the United States, or a foreign country relating to nar-
cotic drugs, marihuana, or depressant or stimulant sub-
stances, have become final’’.
1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–647, § 1002(e)(1), sub-
stituted ‘‘section 859, 860, or 861’’ for ‘‘section 845, 845a,
or 845b’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–647, § 1002(e)(1), sub-
stituted ‘‘section 859, 860, or 861’’ for ‘‘section 845, 845a,
or 845b’’ in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ii)(IV). Pub. L. 101–647, § 3599K, sub-
stituted ‘‘any of the substances’’ for ‘‘any of the sub-
stance’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(viii). Pub. L. 101–647, § 1202, sub-
stituted ‘‘or 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of methamphet-
amine’’ for ‘‘or 100 grams or more of a mixture or sub-
stance containing a detectable amount of methamphet-
amine’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(ii)(IV). Pub. L. 101–647, § 3599K, sub-
stituted ‘‘any of the substances’’ for ‘‘any of the sub-
stance’’.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–647, § 1002(e)(2), directed
amendment of subsec. (c) by substituting ‘‘section 859,
860, or 861 of this title’’ for ‘‘section 845, 845a, or 845b of
this title’’. Subsec. (c) was previously repealed by Pub.
L. 98–473, § 224(a)(2), as renumbered by Pub. L. 99–570,
§ 1005(a), effective Nov. 1, 1987, and applicable only to of-
fenses committed after the taking effect of such
amendment. See 1984 Amendment note and Effective
Date of 1984 Amendment note below.
1988—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–690, §§ 6452(a),
6470(g), 6479(1), inserted ‘‘, or 1,000 or more marihuana
plants regardless of weight’’ in cl. (vii), added cl. (viii),
substituted ‘‘a prior conviction for a felony drug of-
fense has become final’’ for ‘‘one or more prior convic-
tions for an offense punishable under this paragraph, or
for a felony under any other provision of this sub-
chapter or subchapter II of this chapter or other law of
a State, the United States, or a foreign country relat-
ing to narcotic drugs, marihuana, or depressant or
stimulant substances, have become final’’ in second
sentence, and added provisions relating to sentencing
for a person who violates this subpar. or section 485,
485a, or 485b of this title after two or more prior convic-
tions for a felony drug offense have become final and
defining ‘‘felony drug offense’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–690, §§ 6470(h), 6479(2), in-
serted ‘‘, or 100 or more marihuana plants regardless of
weight’’ in cl. (vii) and added cl. (viii).
Page 846
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 841
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 100–690, § 6479(3), substituted
‘‘50 or more marihuana plants’’ for ‘‘100 or more mari-
huana plants’’.
Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 100–690, § 6254(h), added par. (6).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–690, § 6055(a), amended subsec.
(d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as
follows: ‘‘Any person who knowingly or intentionally—
‘‘(1) possesses any piperidine with intent to manu-
facture phencyclidine except as authorized by this
subchapter, or
‘‘(2) possesses any piperidine knowing, or having
reasonable cause to believe, that the piperidine will
be used to manufacture phencyclidine except as au-
thorized by this subchapter,
shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 5 years, a fine not to exceed the greater of
that authorized in accordance with the provisions of
title 18 or $250,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$1,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual,
or both.’’
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 100–690, § 6055(b), added sub-
secs. (f) and (g).
1986—Pub. L. 99–570, § 1005(a), amended Pub. L. 98–473,
§ 224(a). See 1984 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1103(a), substituted
‘‘, 845a, or 845b’’ for ‘‘or 845a’’ in introductory provi-
sions.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1002(2), amended
subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A)
read as follows: ‘‘In the case of a violation of subsection
(a) of this section involving—
‘‘(i) 100 grams or more of a controlled substance in
schedule I or II which is a mixture or substance con-
taining a detectable amount of a narcotic drug other
than a narcotic drug consisting of—
‘‘(I) coca leaves;
‘‘(II) a compound, manufacture, salt, derivative,
or preparation of coca leaves; or
‘‘(III) a substance chemically identical thereto;
‘‘(ii) a kilogram or more of any other controlled
substance in schedule I or II which is a narcotic drug;
‘‘(iii) 500 grams or more of phencyclidine (PCP); or
‘‘(iv) 5 grams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide
(LSD);
such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprison-
ment of not more than 20 years, a fine of not more than
$250,000, or both. If any person commits such a viola-
tion after one or more prior convictions of him for an
offense punishable under this paragraph, or for a felony
under any other provision of this subchapter or sub-
chapter II of this chapter or other law of a State, the
United States, or a foreign country relating to narcotic
drugs, marihuana, or depressant or stimulant sub-
stances, have become final, such person shall be sen-
tenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 40
years, a fine of not more than $500,000, or both’’.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1002(2), amended
subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B)
read as follows: ‘‘In the case of a controlled substance
in schedule I or II except as provided in subparagraphs
(A) and (C),, such person shall be sentenced to a term
of imprisonment of not more than 15 years, a fine of
not more than $125,000, or both. If any person commits
such a violation after one or more prior convictions of
him for an offense punishable under this paragraph, or
for a felony under any other provision of this sub-
chapter or subchapter II of this chapter or other law of
a State, the United States, or a foreign country relat-
ing to narcotic drugs, marihuana, or depressant or
stimulant substances, have become final, such person
shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 30 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, or
both. Any sentence imposing a term of imprisonment
under this paragraph shall, in the absence of such a
prior conviction, impose a special parole term of at
least 3 years in addition to such term of imprisonment
and shall, if there was such a prior conviction, impose
a special parole term of at least 6 years in addition to
such term of imprisonment.’’
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1002(2), added sub-
par. (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1004(a), substituted
‘‘term of supervised release’’ for ‘‘special parole term’’
in two places.
Pub. L. 99–570, §§ 1002(1), 1003(a)(1), redesignated
former subpar. (C) as (D), substituted ‘‘a fine not to ex-
ceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with
the provisions of title 18 or $250,000 if the defendant is
an individual or $1,000,000 if the defendant is other than
an individual’’ for ‘‘a fine of not more than $50,000’’ and
‘‘a fine not to exceed the greater of twice that author-
ized in accordance with the provisions of title 18 or
$500,000 if the defendant is an individual or $2,000,000 if
the defendant is other than an individual’’ for ‘‘a fine
of not more than $100,000’’, and inserted ‘‘except in the
case of 100 or more marihuana plants regardless of
weight,’’.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1004(a), substituted
‘‘term of supervised release’’ for ‘‘special parole term’’
in two places.
Pub. L. 99–570, § 1003(a)(2), substituted ‘‘a fine not to
exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance
with the provisions of title 18 or $250,000 if the defend-
ant is an individual or $1,000,000 if the defendant is
other than an individual’’ for ‘‘a fine of not more than
$25,000’’ and ‘‘a fine not to exceed the greater of twice
that authorized in accordance with the provisions of
title 18 or $500,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$2,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual’’
for ‘‘a fine of not more than $50,000’’.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1003(a)(3), substituted
‘‘a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in
accordance with the provisions of title 18 or $100,000 if
the defendant is an individual or $250,000 if the defend-
ant is other than an individual’’ for ‘‘a fine of not more
than $10,000’’ and ‘‘a fine not to exceed the greater of
twice that authorized in accordance with the provisions
of title 18 or $200,000 if the defendant is an individual or
$500,000 if the defendant is other than an individual’’ for
‘‘a fine of not more than $20,000’’.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1003(a)(4), which di-
rected the substitution of ‘‘1(D)’’ for ‘‘1(C)’’ was exe-
cuted by substituting ‘‘(1)(D)’’ for ‘‘(1)(C)’’ as the prob-
able intent of Congress.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1003(a)(5), amended par.
(5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as fol-
lows: ‘‘Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any person who
violates subsection (a) of this section by cultivating a
controlled substance on Federal property shall be fined
not more than—
‘‘(A) $500,000 if such person is an individual; and
‘‘(B) $1,000,000 if such person is not an individual.’’
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1004(a), substituted ‘‘term
of supervised release’’ for ‘‘special parole term’’ wher-
ever appearing, effective Nov. 1, 1987, the effective date
of the repeal of subsec. (c) by Pub. L. 98–473, § 224(a)(2).
See 1984 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 99–570, § 1103(b), substituted ‘‘, 845a, or 845b’’
for ‘‘845a’’ in two places.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–570, § 1003(a)(6), substituted ‘‘a
fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in ac-
cordance with the provisions of title 18 or $250,000 if the
defendant is an individual or $1,000,000 if the defendant
is other than an individual’’ for ‘‘a fine of not more
than $15,000’’.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–570, § 15005, added subsec. (e).
1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–473, § 503(b)(1), inserted
reference to section 845a of this title in provisions pre-
ceding par. (1)(A).
Pub. L. 98–473, § 224(a)(1)–(3), (5), which directed
amendment of this subsection effective Nov. 1, 1987 (see
section 235(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–473 set out as an Effective
Date note under section 3551 of Title 18, Crimes and
Criminal Procedure) was repealed by Pub. L. 99–570,
§ 1005(a), and the remaining pars. (4) and (6) of Pub. L.
98–473, § 224(a), were redesignated as pars. (1) and (2), re-
spectively.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(1)(A), added sub-
par. (A). Former subpar. (A) redesignated (B).
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(1)(A), (B), redes-
ignated former subpar. (A) as (B), substituted ‘‘except
Page 847
TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS
§ 842
as provided in subparagraphs (A) and (C),’’ for ‘‘which
is a narcotic drug’’, ‘‘$125,000’’ for ‘‘$25,000’’, and
‘‘$250,000’’ for ‘‘$50,000’’, and inserted references to laws
of a State and a foreign country. Former subpar. (B) re-
designated (C).
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(1)(A), (C), redes-
ignated former subpar. (B) as (C), substituted ‘‘less
than 50 kilograms of marihuana, 10 kilograms of hash-
ish, or one kilogram of hashish oil’’ for ‘‘a controlled
substance in schedule I or II which is not a narcotic
drug’’, ‘‘and (5)’’ for ‘‘, (5), and (6)’’, ‘‘$50,000’’ for
‘‘$15,000’’, and ‘‘$100,000’’ for ‘‘$30,000’’, and inserted ref-
erences to laws of a State and a foreign country.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(2), substituted
‘‘$25,000’’ for ‘‘$10,000’’ and ‘‘$50,000’’ for ‘‘$20,000’’, and
inserted references to laws of a State or of a foreign
country.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(3), substituted
‘‘$10,000’’ for ‘‘$5,000’’ and ‘‘$20,000’’ for ‘‘$10,000’’, and in-
serted references to laws of a State or of a foreign
country.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(4), substituted
‘‘(1)(C)’’ for ‘‘(1)(B)’’.
Pub. L. 98–473, § 224(a)(1), as renumbered by Pub. L.
99–570, § 1005(a), substituted ‘‘in section 844 of this title
and section 3607 of title 18’’ for ‘‘in subsections (a) and
(b) of section 844 of this title’’.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(5), (6), added par. (5)
and struck out former par. (5) which related to pen-
alties for manufacturing, etc., phencyclidine.
Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 98–473, § 502(5), struck out par.
(6) which related to penalties for violations involving a
quantity of marihuana exceeding 1,000 pounds.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–473, § 224(a)(2), as renumbered
by Pub. L. 99–570, § 1005(a), struck out subsec. (c) which
read as follows: ‘‘A special parole term imposed under
this section or section 845, 845a, or 845b of this title
may be revoked if its terms and conditions are vio-
lated. In such circumstances the original term of im-
prisonment shall be increased by the period of the spe-
cial parole term and the resulting new term of impris-
onment shall not be diminished by the time which was
spent on special parole. A person whose special parole
term has been revoked may be required to serve all or
part of the remainder of the new term of imprisonment.
A special parole term provided for in this section or
section 845, 845a, or 845b of this title shall be in addi-
tion to, and not in lieu of, any other parole provided for
by law.’’
Pub. L. 98–473, § 503(b)(2), inserted reference to section
845a of this title in two places.
1980—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 96–359, § 8(c)(1), in-
serted reference to par. (6) of this subsection.
Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 96–359, § 8(c)(2), added par. (6).
1978—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 95–633, § 201(1), inserted
‘‘, except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this
subsection,’’ after ‘‘such person shall’’.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 95–633, § 201(2), added par. (5).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–633, § 201(3), added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2018 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–391 applicable to any of-
fense that was committed before Dec. 21, 2018, if a sen-
tence for the offense has not been imposed as of Dec. 21,
2018, see section 401(c) of Pub. L. 115–391, set out as a
note under section 802 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–425 effective 180 days after
Oct. 15, 2008, except as otherwise provided, see section
3(j) of Pub. L. 110–425, set out as a note under section
802 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 6055 of Pub. L. 100–690 effec-
tive 120 days after Nov. 18, 1988, see section 6061 of Pub.
L. 100–690, set out as a note under section 802 of this
title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 99–570, title I, § 1004(b), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat.
3207–6, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this
section [amending this section and sections 845, 845a,
960, and 962 of this title] shall take effect on the date
of the taking effect of section 3583 of title 18, United
States Code [Nov. 1, 1987].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 224(a) of Pub. L. 98–473 effec-
tive Nov. 1, 1987, and applicable only to offenses com-
mitted after the taking effect of such amendment, see
section 235(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–473, set out as an Effec-
tive Date note under section 3551 of Title 18, Crimes
and Criminal Procedure.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1978 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–633 effective Nov. 10, 1978,
see section 203(a) of Pub. L. 95–633 set out as an Effec-
tive Date note under section 830 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Section effective on first day of seventh calendar
month that begins after Oct. 26, 1970, see section 704 of
Pub. L. 91–513, set out as a note under section 801 of
this title.
REPEALS
Pub. L. 96–359, § 8(b), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1194, re-
pealed section 203(d) of Pub. L. 95–633, which had pro-
vided for the repeal of subsec. (d) of this section effec-
tive Jan. 1, 1981.
APPLICATION OF FAIR SENTENCING ACT
Pub. L. 115–391, title IV, § 404, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat.
5222, provided that:
‘‘(a) DEFINITION OF COVERED OFFENSE.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘covered offense’ means a violation of a
Federal criminal statute, the statutory penalties for
which were modified by section 2 or 3 of the Fair Sen-
tencing Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–220; 124 Stat. 2372)
[amending this section and sections 844 and 960 of this
title], that was committed before August 3, 2010.
‘‘(b) DEFENDANTS PREVIOUSLY SENTENCED.—A court
that imposed a sentence for a covered offense may, on
motion of the defendant, the Director of the Bureau of
Prisons, the attorney for the Government, or the court,
impose a reduced sentence as if sections 2 and 3 of the
Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–220; 124
Stat. 2372) were in effect at the time the covered of-
fense was committed.
‘‘(c) LIMITATIONS.—No court shall entertain a motion
made under this section to reduce a sentence if the sen-
tence was previously imposed or previously reduced in
accordance with the amendments made by sections 2
and 3 of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 (Public Law
111–220; 124 Stat. 2372) or if a previous motion made
under this section to reduce the sentence was, after the
date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2018], denied
after a complete review of the motion on the merits.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a
court to reduce any sentence pursuant to this section.’’
§ 842. Prohibited acts B
(a) Unlawful acts
It shall be unlawful for any person—
(1) who is subject to the requirements of part
C to distribute or dispense a controlled sub-
stance in violation of section 829 of this title;
(2) who is a registrant to distribute or dis-
pense a controlled substance not authorized by
his registration to another registrant or other
authorized person or to manufacture a con-
trolled substance not authorized by his reg-
istration;
(3) who is a registrant to distribute a con-
trolled substance in violation of section 825 of
this title;
Cross-references
Connections may be documented source relationships, shared citations or nearby passages. Each explains its basis; a connection alone does not establish applicability to your situation.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Unlawful acts** Except as authorized by this subchapter, it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally—
(1) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or
(2) to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense, a counterfeit substance.
**(b) Penalties** Except as otherwise provided in section 849, 859, 860, or 861 of this title, any person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be sentenced as follows:
(1)
(A) In the case of a violation of subsection (a) of this section involving—
(i) 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;
(ii) 5 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of—
(I) coca leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed;
(II) cocaine, its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers;
(III) ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers; or
(IV) any compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of any of the substances referred to in subclauses (I) through (III);
(iii) 280 grams or more of a mixture or substance described in clause (ii) which contains cocaine base;
(iv) 100 grams or more of phencyclidine (PCP) or 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of phencyclidine (PCP);
(v) 10 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD);
(vi) 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N- [
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 21 U.S.C. § 841
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. Same stored citation; legal effect and authority still require review.