Controlled substance schedules I–V (federal)

Claim

Federal law places controlled substances into five schedules (I–V) based on accepted medical use, abuse potential, and dependence liability. Schedule I has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S.; Schedules II–V have accepted medical use with decreasing relative abuse/dependence risk down the ladder.

Plain

I = no accepted medical use (federal). II–V = medical use allowed, controls get looser as the number rises. Exact drug lists live in 21 CFR 1308.

Citations

1. 21 U.S.C. § 812(b) (812(b)(1) Schedule I criteria) — source
   

   Schedule I.— (A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse. (B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. (C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

   retrieved 2026-09-07
2. 21 CFR 1308.01 (1308.01) — source
   

   Schedules of controlled substances established by section 202 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 812) … as they are changed, updated, and republished from time to time, are set forth in this part.

   retrieved 2026-09-07