Many drugs can be bought at any convenience or drug store. However, many other drugs are only obtainable with prescriptions or available to people who require intensive care or suffer from serious medical conditions. The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) helps to regulate the use and distribution of substances. In other words, the CSA can determine whether consumers can easily access a drug or would need a doctor to prescribe a drug first.
The CSA regulates substances by categorizing drugs into schedules. These schedules not only regulate substance accessibility but they can also affect criminal cases. To understand how a criminal case could be affected by the CSA, it can help to learn about drug schedules. Here is what you should know:
What are drug schedules?
A drug schedule is determined by a drug’s tendency to lead to addiction and abuse. Drugs that lead to abuse often have stronger regulations. There are five different drug schedules.
Drugs that are categorized as Schedule III, IV and V are least likely to cause addiction. Schedule V substances, such as cough medicine, are often found on store shelves. Schedule III and IV substances, such as steroids and testosterone, may require a doctor’s prescription before they can be acquired.
Schedule II drugs, such as cocaine and fentanyl, are the second to the top of addictive substances. Substances such as peyote and heroine are categorized as Schedule I drugs for being the most addictive. While there are very few uses for Schedule II drugs, there are no acceptable uses for Schedule I drugs.
How do drug schedules affect a criminal case?
If a person is facing a drug possession charge, then their penalties could be affected by the type of drug in possession. Drugs that are categorized with a high schedule may lead to harsher punishments if a defendant is charged. Legal guidance can help people understand the charges they may face if they are arrested for drug possession.
