21 U.S. Code § 301

21 U.S. Code § 301 defines the scope of federal authority over the manufacture, distribution, and use of drugs, leading to the Controlled Substances Act. It grants the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) the authority to regulate controlled substances to prevent misuse, abuse, and diversion. Essentially, it states that such drugs are illegal unless authorized under federal law, establishes the basis for scheduling drugs, and provides the legal framework for enforcement. This creates a legal foundation for controlling and monitoring substances that have a potential for abuse or dependence, ensuring public health and safety.