Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act was passed by Congress in 1970 in response to the rise of recreational drug use in the US. Prior to its implementation, US law did not address certain recreational drugs like barbiturates or amphetamines.
There are two parts to the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act; Title II and Title III. Title II classifies drugs into levels based on their potential for abuse, and these classifications have been key in the allocation of resources for drug research and treatment plans.
The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act is often amended to keep up to date with any changes in drug use. It is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act Title II
Title II classifies drugs into five categories depending on the potential for addiction and its uses. These classifications have played a large part on which drugs are the focus of the government’s war on drugs.
Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act classifies drugs as follows.
Schedule I Drugs
These are considered the most harmful to health and most likely to cause addiction. Schedule I drugs do not have mainstream medical uses. Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug to the federal government even though many states have legalized medical and recreational use of marijuana.
Schedule I Drugs
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- Marijuana
- LSD
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Peyote
Schedule II Drugs
Schedule II drugs are also considered dangerous with a high potential for addiction. Some of these drugs will have mainstream medical uses.
Schedule II Drugs
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- Adderall
- Meth
- Demerol
- Ritalin
- Cocaine
- Methadone
- OxyContin
Schedule III Drugs
While these drugs may be abused, they have a low potential for addiction.
Schedule III Drugs
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- Tylenol with codeine
- Anabolic steroids
- Ketamine
- Vicodin
- Testosterone
Schedule IV Drugs
These drugs have a very low potential for abuse but still may contain some narcotics.
Schedule IV Drugs
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- Valium
- Xanax
- Darvon
- Soma
- Ambien
- Darvocet
- Ativan
Schedule V Drugs
These are very unlikely to be abused and have very low levels of narcotics. Schedule V drugs are usually available over the counter for common health concerns.
Schedule V Drugs
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- Motofen
- Parepectolin
- Robitussin AC
- Lyrica
- Lomotil
The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act was written to provide a classification strategy for prosecuting drug-related crimes. If a drug is not specifically listed in Title II, the court may still prosecute it if it falls into the categorization guidelines of Schedule I or II.
The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act Title III
Title III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act is not referenced as often. It deals with criminal forfeiture and importation and exportation of drugs. It also deals with how drug law amendments should be handled.
If you have questions regarding the application of The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act to your case, contact Nakase Wade.