What is typically required for a medication to be classified as a controlled substance?

A medication is classified as a controlled substance primarily because it has a high potential for abuse. The Controlled Substances Act categorizes drugs based on their potential for addiction and abuse, alongside their accepted medical use and safety under medical supervision. Substances classified as controlled often pose significant risks of physical or psychological dependence, which is why they are closely regulated by law.

In contrast, factors such as popularity in over-the-counter markets, stability at high temperatures, or low production costs do not influence the classification of a substance as controlled. These factors may affect other aspects of medication usage or production but are not relevant in determining whether a drug is deemed to have a high potential for abuse, which is the primary criterion for its control status.