A banned substance is typically a drug in which production or the possession of substance is regulated by a government agency. Several treaties offer international agreed lists of restricted substance lists for example. Substances are grouped according to classification levels and consist largely of possibly psychoactive chemicals and anabolic steroids. The controlled substances don’t have many prescription drugs for example antibiotics. Some precursor chemical materials used in the production of illegal drugs are also controlled in many countries, even though they can lack the pharmacological effects of the drugs themselves. Other relevant laws are being followed in some countries including the single convention on narcotic drug use and the convention on substance psychotropics.
Controlled Substances Act And Scheduling
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) places all substances which were in some manner regulated under existing federal law into one of five schedules. This placement is based upon the substance’s medical use, the potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability.
Lists of Controlled Substances Disclaimer
Section 812 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. §801 et seq.) (CSA) lists substances that were controlled in 1970 when the law was enacted. Since then, approximately 160 substances have been added, removed, or transferred from one schedule to another. The current official list of controlled substances can be found in section 1308 of the most recent issue of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1300 to end (21 CFR §1308) and the final rules which were published in the Federal Register subsequent to the issuance of the CFR.
Use of Controlled Substances for Research
Controlled substances may be used only for duly authorized, legitimate medical or scientific research purposes, to the extent permitted by a registrant’s license and registration, and in conformity with state and federal statutes and regulations.
Understanding the Controlled Substances Act
The Controlled Substances Act is the federal statute that regulates the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances such as hallucinogens, narcotics, depressants, and stimulants. The Act categorizes drugs into five classifications or “schedules” based on their potential for abuse, status in international treaties, and any medical benefits they may provide. Generally speaking, drugs included in Schedule 1 are the most strictly regulated, because they are deemed to have no medical value. Some examples of drugs and their classifications are:
- Schedule 1: Ecstasy, LSD, and heroin. Marijuana is also considered a Schedule 1 drug, despite studies finding it to have medical uses.
- Schedule 2: Cocaine and methamphetamine.
- Schedule 3: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone.
- Schedule 4: Ambien, Xanax, and Valium.
- Schedule 5: Lyrica and cough suppressants.
The grouping of controlled substances makes it easier for legislators to draft or modify rules covering multiple drugs at a time. Some states have borrowed the federal schedules’ definitions in their own drug legislation.
List of Controlled Substances
- Schedule 1: Ecstasy, LSD, and heroin. Marijuana is also considered a Schedule 1 drug, despite studies finding it to have medical uses.
- Schedule 2: Cocaine and methamphetamine.
- Schedule 3: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone.
- Schedule 4: Ambien, Xanax, and Valium.
- Schedule 5: Lyrica and cough suppressants.
The grouping of controlled substances makes it easier for legislators to draft or modify rules covering multiple drugs at a time. Some states have borrowed the federal schedules’ definitions in their own drug legislation.
Schedule V Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances listed in Schedule IV and consist primarily of preparations
containing limited quantities of certain narcotics.
Schedule II/IIN Controlled Substances (2/2N)
Substances in this schedule have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low
physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
The CSA and Addiction Treatment
Because the CSA designates some drugs as illegal, some people may not seek treatment for their addiction for fear of being arrested for possession. But having an addiction is not illegal. Getting treatment can help turn your life around.
Exempt Chemical Preparations
The following substances are designated as exempt chemical preparations for the purposes set forth in this section.
- Chloral. When packaged in a sealed, oxygen-free environment, under nitrogen pressure, safeguarded against exposure to the air.
- EmitR Phenobarbital Enzyme Reagent B. In one liter quantities each with a 5 ml. retention sample for repackaging as an exempt chemical preparation only.
Exempt Anabolic Steroids Products
In 2021, the DEA declared that the following anabolic steroids showed no significant potential for abuse.
- Esterified Estrogens and Methyltestosterone, USP (1.25 mg/2.5 mg)
- Esterified Estrogens and Methyltestosterone, USP (0.625 mg/ 1.25 mg)
- Methyltestosterone and Esterified Estrogens (2.5 mg/1.25 mg)
- Methyltestosterone and Esterified Estrogens (1.25 mg/0.625 mg)
- Esterified Estrogens/Methyltestosterone (1.25 mg/2.5 mg) Tablet
- Esterified Estrogens/Methyltestosterone (0.625 mg/1.25 mg) Tablet
Exempted Prescription Products
The compounds, mixtures, or preparations that contain a non-narcotic controlled substance are listed in Sec. 1308.12(e) or in Sec. 952-954 concerning importation, exportation, transshipment, and in-transit shipment of controlled substances.