Who is allowed to receive controlled substances sent by mail?

Receiving controlled substances sent by mail is primarily regulated by the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and requires specific registration and compliance measures. Individuals or entities who are registered with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) are authorized to handle controlled substances, which includes receiving them through the mail.

This regulation is in place to ensure accountability and traceability in the distribution of these substances, which are often subject to misuse and abuse. A DEA registration or exemption signifies that the entity complies with the legal standards necessary to handle controlled substances safely and responsibly.

While a valid prescription allows a patient to possess a controlled substance and licensed healthcare providers may prescribe or dispense these medications, it does not inherently give them the authority to receive controlled substances by mail unless they possess the necessary DEA registration or meet specific regulatory exemptions. Therefore, the correct response underscores the importance of DEA registration in the context of receiving controlled substances through the mail.