Controlled Substances

Certain drugs and other substances are classified as “controlled substances” through the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. At Michigan Tech, all work done with controlled substances must be on file with the Research Integrity Office.

Anyone using controlled substances for research must:

  • obtain the appropriate licenses,
  • use approved purchasing mechanisms,
  • submit for review and follow approved security and work practices, and
  • only use approved disposal methods for any excess or off-spec substances.

Each researcher working with controlled substances must obtain their own personal license. Michigan Tech does not maintain institutional licenses for controlled substances. Both a federal (Drug Enforcement Administration) and state license must be obtained before ordering or using any controlled substance. See links to the right for a step-by-step guide to applying for a license. The application process is lengthy and can take up to 12 months to complete, so start early. Researchers are personally responsible and legally liable for the storage, use, and management of any controlled substances obtained with their licenses.

Once both licenses have been obtained, copies must be provided to the Research Integrity Office. Controlled substances that are to be used in vertebrate animal research must be used under an approved animal protocol and must be ordered through the Research Integrity Office. Controlled substances for all other uses must have an approved standard operating procedure and must be ordered through University Chemical Stores

All controlled substance documentation will be reviewed during the license holder’s annual laboratory inspection. This includes use logs, the presence of authorized user questionnaires, and the biannual inventory. 

Examples of common controlled substances:

  • Schedule I: LSD, heroin, marijuana. Requires special licensing; contact Research Integrity Office before applying. 
  • Schedule II: sodium pentobarbital.
  • Schedule III: ketamine, buprenorphine, midazolam.
  • Schedule IV: diazepam, midazolam, clonazepam.
  • Schedule V: nothing of relevance to animal research.