In 1970, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA) replaced the Uniform Narcotic Drug Act of 1932. In 1990, congress returned to the CSA due to major changes in the federal law and a new found concern with the influence of narcotics in American life. As seen in the CSA of 1970, the new act includes five legal drug classifications. The drugs are ranked based on their usefulness in medical treatment, and their potential for abuse. Schedule one drugs have a high potential of abuse and no known medical benefit. Schedule five drugs have a low potential for abuse, and are accepted for medical treatment in the United States.
Schedule I
High Abuse, No recognized Medical use, Lack of Safety
Controlled Substances:
- Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
- 12-Methoxyibogamine (Ibogaine)
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Pholcodine
- MDMA
- LSD
- Peyote
- Mescaline
- Methaqualone
- AMT
- Bufotenin
- DXO
- Benzylpiperazine
Sentences, for non-violent, first time offenders convicted of trafficking Schedule I drugs, can be turned into life sentences when multiple sales are prosecuted in one hearing.
Schedule II
High Abuse, Medical Utility, High Dependency Risk
Controlled Substances:
- Methylphenidate
- Cocaine
- Opium
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Mixed Amphetamine Salts (Adderall)
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Hydromorphone
- Secobarbital
- Pethidine
- Nabilone
- Tapentadol
Substance II drugs may not be dispensed without written prescription from a doctor. Prescriptions of substance II drugs are in a “closed system”. This means, the prescription may not be refilled, unless medically required.
Schedule III
Lower Abuse, Medical Utility, Moderate Dependency Risk
Controlled Substances:
- Anabolic Steroids
- Buprenorphine
- Amphetamine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Ketamine
- Xyrem
- Hydrocodone/Codeine
- Marinol
- Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA)
- Paregoric
- Barbiturates (Short acting)
Schedule III drugs may not be used without prescription from a doctor. Prescriptions may not be refilled after six months of the date they were issued for use.
Schedule IV
Low Potential for Abuse, High Medical Utility, Limited Dependency Risk
Controlled Substances:
- Benzodiazepines
- Temazepam
- Barbiturates (Long acting)
- Provigil
- Difenoxin
- Dextropropoxyphene
Prescriptions for Schedule IV drugs may be refilled up to five times within six months.
Schedule V
Low Abuse, High Medical Utility, Little Dependency Risk
Controlled Substances:
- Cough syrups containing small amounts of codeine
- Preparations containing small amounts of opium
- Pyrovalerone
No drug found in schedule V may be dispensed or distributed for anything other than medicinal use.
Production of Controlled Substances
Production of controlled substances can mean illegal manufacturing. Production may be considered a serious trafficking offense. Without prescription from a doctor, using and maintaining controlled substances is illegal. Distributors, or manufacturers can be prosecuted and serve numerous years in jail.