DRUG CONTROL LAWS CLASS NOTES CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT

DRUG CONTROL LAWS CLASS NOTES

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT The federal law establishes five schedules of classifications for controlled dangerous substances. The classifications are based on the following criteria: 1) The drugs potential for abuse. 2) The drugs potential for physical abuse. 3) The drugs potential for psychological abuse. 4) The medical value of the drug.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT The US Attorney General has the authority to add, delete or reschedule a drug as more information becomes available. The drugs are classified as Schedule I, III, IV and V drugs.

SCHEDULE I DRUGS 1) High potential for abuse. 2) Have no current medical use. 3) Lack accepted safety for medical use. These drugs include heroin, methaqualine and LSD.

SCHEDULE II DRUGS 1) Have a high potential for abuse. 2) Have a current accepted medical use with severe restrictions. 3) Have a potential for severe physical and psychological dependence. These include opium, cocaine, methadone, PCP, amphetamines, most barbiturates and marijuana.

SCHEDULE III DRUGS 1) Have a less potential for abuse. 2) Are currently accepted for medical use. 3) Have a low to moderate physical dependence. 4) Have a low chance of high psychological dependence. These include barbiturates not under Schedule II, codeine and anabolic steroids.

SCHEDULE IV DRUGS 1) Have a low potential for abuse. 2) Have limited dependence. These include tranquilizers.

SCHEDULE V DRUGS 1) Have a low abuse potential. 2) Have a medical use. 3) Have less physical and psychological dependence. These include certain opiate drug mixtures that contain nonnarcotic medical ingredients.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES UNDER THE ACT FOR INDIVIDUAL TRAFFICKING 1 ST OFFENSE Schedule I – 0 to 20 years / $1 million Schedule III – 0 to 5 years / $250, 000 Schedule IV – 0 to 3 years / $250, 000 Schedule V – 0 to 1 year / $100, 000