Which government agency oversees the regulation of controlled substances?

The agency that oversees the regulation of controlled substances is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. It works to prevent and control drug abuse and trafficking while ensuring that medical professionals can prescribe necessary medications for patients.

The DEA actively monitors the manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances to ensure compliance with federal laws. It also manages the scheduling of drugs into various classifications based on their potential for abuse, medical usefulness, and safety. This classification helps determine the legal status of a substance and informs medical professionals and the public about the regulations surrounding its use.

In contrast, other agencies mentioned have different primary responsibilities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focuses on the safety and efficacy of medications and medical devices but does not have the authority to regulate controlled substances in terms of scheduling and enforcement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deals primarily with public health issues, particularly infectious diseases, and does not oversee drug regulation. Lastly, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) manages health care programs but does not regulate controlled substances. Therefore, the DEA is the correct agency responsible for the regulation of controlled substances in the United States.