A controlled substance is a drug that the DEA regulates to ensure safety, facilitate medical use, and prevent misuse within legal guidelines.

The Controlled Substances Act was established in 1970 and categorizes drugs into five classes, known as Schedules, which the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) oversees.

This system aims to balance a substance’s medical benefits and the risks of misuse and harm, providing guidance for law enforcement, healthcare, and policymakers.

In the United States, Schedule 1 drugs are substances classified as having a high potential for misuse, no current medical use, and a lack of safety even under medical supervision.

As a result, medical professionals do not generally prescribe Schedule 1 drugs.

Here are some common Schedule 1 substances:

Schedule 2 and Schedule 2N substances in the United States are drugs considered to have a high potential for misuse but with acknowledged medical uses under strict regulation.

Medical professionals can prescribe these drugs, but there are strict regulations in place to monitor their distribution and use. Schedule 2 drugs have the tightest regulations compared with other prescription drugs.

Here are some common Schedule 2 narcotics:

Here are some common schedule 2N stimulants:

Schedule 3 substances in the United States are considered to have a lower potential for abuse compared with Schedule 1 and 2 drugs. They have accepted medical uses and a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.

Here are some common Schedule 3 narcotics:

Here are some common schedule 3N stimulants:

Schedule 4 drugs in the United States are substances with a lower potential for misuse compared to those in Schedules 1–3. They have a currently accepted medical use and a lower risk of physical or psychological dependence than Schedule 3 drugs.

Here are some common examples:

Schedule 5 drugs in the United States are substances with a lower potential for misuse compared with those in Schedules 1–4. They have a currently accepted medical use and contain limited quantities of certain narcotics.

Here are some common examples:

Federal and state drug laws coexist in the United States, creating a complex legal landscape. The federal government, through agencies like the DEA, classifies drugs into schedules based on their potential for misuse, medical use, and safety. However, states also have the authority to regulate and classify drugs, leading to instances where state and federal classifications may differ.

When federal and state drug classifications disagree, it can lead to legal conflicts. Cannabis is a well-known example of this disparity. While some states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, it remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance at the federal level.

This creates a situation where individuals and businesses operating legally under state law may still face federal legal consequences.

Aside from cannabis, there are other substances where state and federal drug classifications may differ. One example is certain psychedelics, such as psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Some states have decriminalized or authorized the medical use of these substances, while they remain Schedule 1 controlled substances at the federal level.

Some states have also implemented harm reduction measures, such as supervised injection sites or needle exchange programs, for substances like heroin or other opioids. These practices have been shown to be highly effective in preventing disease but may conflict with federal drug laws, which maintain a more punitive approach.

The classification of drugs into different schedules is determined by various factors, including their perceived potential for misuse, medical utility, and safety.

The criteria for scheduling may not always align with public health outcomes, and there is ongoing debate about the appropriateness of certain classifications.

Public opinion and medical research may influence changes in drug scheduling over time.

You can refer to official government sources for detailed and up-to-date information about scheduled drugs. The DEA website in the United States is a primary resource. In addition, here is a list of controlled substances.