If a new controlled substance enters the market, when must it be inventoried?

When a new controlled substance is introduced to the market, it must be inventoried as of its effective date. The effective date signifies when the substance is officially recognized and regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that any facilities or individuals handling the newly classified controlled substance must ensure that it is included in their inventory as of that date to maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

This process is crucial because it helps in tracking the distribution and use of controlled substances, a key aspect of minimizing diversion and misuse. Any inventory conducted before or after the effective date would not align with regulatory expectations and could potentially lead to compliance issues.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the timing required for the inventory of a newly controlled substance. Inventorying at an "earliest convenience" or "immediately upon receipt" does not adhere to the legal timeframe established by regulatory standards. Additionally, waiting "within 30 days" would therefore not fulfill the requirement to inventory the substance precisely as of the effective date, which is mandated.