What are Schedule I controlled substances and why are they illegal?
Substances that are not medically significant and have potential risks for abuse are classified as Schedule I controlled Substances. The US Drug Enforcement Agency labeled controlled substances as the most lethal forms of drugs and banned their manufacturing and sales. Discover the commonly known schedule substances and why they are illegal?
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Commonly known Scheduled Substances
The DEA classifies drugs into five schedules based on their medical value, safety, and potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are deemed to have no medical value and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse and are widely used for medical purposes.
The criteria for placing a drug in Schedule I are:
- The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
- The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S.
- There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drugs or other substances under medical supervision.
Some of the most commonly known scheduled substances are:
Heroin: derived from morphine is a highly addictive drug that causes drowsiness, pain alleviation, and euphoria.
LSD: a potent psychedelic with erratic effects that can cause distortions in vision as well as shifts in mood, perception, and cognition.
Marijuana: a plant that yields THC, a hallucinogenic substance that alters appetite, memory, and coordination. Legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational use is a topic of interest both for employers and employees.
Click to read about the legality of marijuana.
Difference between CBD and THC
MDMA: Synthetic stimulants and hallucinogens that can lead to serotonin syndrome, dehydration, and hyperthermia while also enhancing empathy, sociability, and sensory awareness.
Psilocybin: a natural psychedelic found in certain mushrooms that induce altered states of consciousness, mystical experiences, and introspection.
The consequences of violating the federal laws on Schedule I drugs are severe and can include imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of property. Schedule I drugs are also subject to state and local laws, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
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