Controlled substances are classified into how many schedules by federal law?

Controlled substances are classified into five schedules by federal law under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification system categorizes drugs and substances based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

Schedule I substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States, such as heroin and LSD. Schedules II through V include substances that have accepted medical uses but vary in their potential for abuse and dependence, with Schedule II substances (like oxycodone and morphine) having a high potential for abuse, while Schedule V substances (like cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine) have a lower potential for abuse. This system helps regulate the dispensing and prescribing of these drugs to mitigate risks associated with misuse and addiction. Understanding this classification is essential for pharmacy technicians, as it influences how medications are managed in a pharmacy setting.