Controlled substances

Regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), controlled substances are classified in “Schedules:”

Schedule I are substances that have no accepted medical use in the U.S., lack accepted safety for use under medical supervision and show a high potential for abuse.

Schedule II/IIN (2/2N) are substances with a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Schedule III/IIIN (3/3N) are substances with a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Schedule IV are substances with a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III.

Schedule V are substances with a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule IV.