Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating controlled substances at the federal level?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating controlled substances in the United States. This includes the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs into various schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. The DEA's main duties include overseeing the registration of persons and entities that manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances, monitoring illegal drug trafficking, and enforcing regulations to prevent drug abuse.

Understanding the DEA's role is crucial in recognizing how controlled substances are managed within the legal framework. This agency works closely with other law enforcement organizations and health agencies to ensure the safe and legal handling of substances that have potential for abuse, such as narcotics and certain medications, while also aiming to reduce drug-related crime and improve public health outcomes.