How Do Controlled Substance Schedules Affect Drug Crime Sentences in Pinellas County?

Controlled substances are categorized into five schedules. These schedules classify drugs based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, the degree of physical or psychological dependence they may cause, and ultimately any penalties.

• Schedule I substances are considered the most dangerous, with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. These include heroin, LSD, and MDMA.
• Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse but have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions. These include cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications like oxycodone and fentanyl.
• Schedule III substances have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. This category includes anabolic steroids, codeine, ketamine, and some barbiturates.
• Schedule IV substances have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III drugs and include medications like Xanax, Valium, and tramadol.
• Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics, such as cough medications with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters.