What is a controlled substance?

Illegal drugs that may affect a person’s health adversely are controlled substances. The federal government and the state of Texas choose to regulate said substances. If caught with a controlled substance, you may be subject to fines or jail time. Controlled substances, in some instances, are legal. For instance, some medication falls under the umbrella of controlled substances but if prescribed would be legal for the patient. Patients buy these drugs through pharmacies or dispensaries with a prescription.

There are currently five schedules for controlled substances. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy states that the controlled substances with the highest potential for abuse are schedule I, whereas the lowest potential for abuse is schedule V. The potential for dependence slowly drops with each schedule.

Schedule I substances do not contain drugs with any accepted medical use. The DEA or Federal Drug Enforcement Administration defines the schedules. In terms of the law regarding controlled substances, federal laws supersede state laws.

Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Schedule II drugs still have a high risk for abuse but also have medical uses. For instance, schedule II drugs include narcotics and depressant drugs. Morphine, oxycodone and cocaine are among schedule II substances. The schedules following schedule II are those that have safe medical uses but have less of an abuse risk than schedule I and II. These may include narcotic and non-narcotic drugs. For instance, anti-anxiety drugs, stimulants, sedatives and acetaminophen with codeine are on these lists.

The above information is for educational purposes regarding controlled substances. None of the above is legal advice.