Federal Drug Classifications

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The Federal government has made up a classification for different drugs, and although the laws vary in different states, the federal law almost always comes first. Most drug offenses happen with Schedule I and Schedule II drugs. The Controlled Substances Act regulates the making, selling, and use of all drugs in the US. The Federal Drug Administration as well as various other departments help to classify all drugs into categories based on how they are used and how they work.

Schedule I Drugs- These drugs have a high abuse tendency and have no accepted medical use of any kind. This category includes drugs like Marijuana, Heroin, Ecstasy, LSD, and GHB. Recent protesters have been trying to make marijuana a legal drug because of its "medical benefits". Pharmacies do not sell Schedule I drugs and are also not available with a prescription by a physician.

Schedule II Drugs- Like the first category this schedule also has a high abuse tendency. Schedule II Drugs have some accepted medical use, but can cause addiction with persistent use. This category includes drugs like Cocaine, Opium, Morphine, Fentanyl, Amphetamines, and Methamphetamines. Schedule II drugs are only available with a prescription by a physician, but not all pharmacies will fill the prescriptions. These drugs require strict record and special storage measures.

Schedule III- This category of drugs have a low abuse tendency and have an accepted medical use. This category includes drugs like Anabolic steroids, Codeine, Ketamine, and Hydrocodone with Aspirin. These drugs are available with a prescription, but not all pharmacies will carry them.

Schedule IV- This category of drugs have a very low abuse tendency and have a low chance of addiction. This category contains drugs like Valium, Xanax, Rohpnol (more often known as the "date rape" drug). Like the others, this drug is available with a prescription only and is not always available at pharmacies.

Schedule V- This category has the lowest abuse tendency of all of the schedules as well as the lowest addiction rate. Schedule V drugs are like cough suppressants with Codeine. These drugs are usually regulated by stores and don't require a prescription of any kind.

These categories are usually just bases for any judge to look at when thinking of the offense. Almost none of the drug offenses that occur will involve the lower three schedules at all.

For more information or help with your drug case, visit the website of Dentin Criminal Lawyers Alexander and Associates at www.criminallawyerdenton.com .

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