We have discussed a variety of drug cases on our blog. Some of those cases have involved controlled substances. Our Maryland readers might like to learn about controlled substances and why having these in your possession without a prescription can lead to criminal charges.
Controlled substances are all governed by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This act separates controlled substances into five categories. These categories are called schedules. In order to be classified as a controlled substance, the substance has to have a detrimental effect on the user. That effect can be health-related, welfare-related or both.
The schedule of controlled substances uses a Roman numeral system from Schedule I to Schedule V. Schedule I includes the most dangerous substances and Schedule V contains the least dangerous controlled substances.
Schedule I controlled substances include peyote, LSD and heroin. These are considered unsafe for all uses and no accepted medical use. These are highly addictive substances.
Schedule II controlled substances have some accepted medical uses, but are highly addictive. These include codeine, amphetamines and methadone, among others.
Schedule III controlled substances include anabolic steroids, ketamine and Vicodin. These aren’t considered as addictive as the drugs in the previous two schedules but they still have the probability of causing dependence.
Schedule IV controlled substances include Xanax, Valium and Versed. These drugs are thought to have a lower abuse potential than the drugs on previous schedules.
Schedule V controlled substances, such as cough syrup with codeine, are those that have limited amounts of narcotics in them.
Simply having one of these controlled substances in your possession without a prescription in your name is a crime. If you have been charged with controlled substance-related crimes, you have the right to present a defense against those crimes.
Source: FindLaw, “What is a Controlled Substance?” accessed Mar. 03, 2015