Drugs that are found in pharmacies, prescribed by doctors or administered at hospitals are controlled substances. These substances can include cough medicine, steroids or anxiety medicine for example. Controlled substances are regulated by the government under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA).
The CSA helps ensure these substances are legally manufactured, distributed and possessed. However, controlled substances have certain limitations. To help regulate controlled substances, drugs are categorized under schedules. There are five total drug schedules. Here is what you should know
What are the five drug schedules?
Drug schedules determine whether a drug can be sold to consumers in pharmacies, prescribed by doctors or used in hospitals and other health care facilities. Drugs are categorized for their potential to cause addiction, abuse or dependence. There are five drug schedules include:
- Schedule I: Substances such as peyote and heroin have the highest potential for abuse and the harshest regulations.
- Schedule II: Substances such as cocaine and oxycodone have a high potential for abuse and can be used in some medical fields.
- Schedule III: Substances such as Ritalin and ketamine have some potential for abuse and can be used in medical fields or prescribed by doctors.
- Schedule IV: Substances such as Tylenol and anabolic steroids have a low potential for abuse and can be prescribed by doctors or purchased in pharmacies.
- Schedule V: Substances such as cough medicine or Xanax have the lowest potential for abuse and can typically be purchased over the counter.
Not only do drug schedules determine how drugs are regulated but also what type of penalties people could face if they are in illegal possession of a controlled substance. Possession or manufacture of high-schedule drugs can lead to severe charges. It can help to understand how a drug schedule can influence a criminal case when strategizing a strong defense.