The bill is now sent to the president for his signature. The new classification means that the doctors were unable to prescribe fentanyl.
On March 14, the Senate passed a bill that reclassifies fentanyl as a Schedule I drug, which would strengthen penalties for people who were drawn from medical use and charged with criminal offences related to drugs.
The Stop Fentanyl Act classifies fentanyl-related substances that contain chemicals or molecular chemicals that are structurally or molecularly related to highly toxic synthetic opioids as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.
Schedule I drugs such as heroin, ecstasy and LSD are substances that are considered free of medical use and can have high potential for abuse.
Related Stories
Under the Controlled Substances Act, there are five scheduling categories, the lowest of which is the lowest chance of abuse, including certain cough therapy.
Some Schedule I substances may involve people convicted of such crimes who will be in prison for up to 40 years in their first offence or further criminal penalties if death or serious injury is involved.
The Act allows fentanyl research to continue, but with restrictions, by relevant federal agencies and agencies that receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense and Veteran Affairs Division.
Before starting a fentanyl-related study, researchers should notify the Department of Justice and wait 30 days after disclosing research information such as the chemical name of the substance and the amount used in the study.
Fentanyl has been in the spotlight for many years due to the US opioid crisis and numerous drug trafficking incidents at the southern border.
When Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 20% tariffs on China earlier this month, he accused fentanyl trafficking of not stopping its suspension to the US.
Since then, Mexico and Canada have taken steps to strengthen border control.
Jackson Richman contributed to this report.
