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| {{US drug laws}} | | {{short description|United States federal drug policy law}} |
| The '''Controlled Substances Act''' ('''CSA''') is a [[United States]] [[federal law]]. It controls what [[drug]]s American people and [[company|companies]] can have, make, [[import]], and use. It also controls what drugs [[medical doctor|doctors]] can [[prescription|prescribe]].
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| "[[Controlled substance]]s" include [[illegal drug]]s, [[chemical]]s that are used to make illegal drugs, and some [[medication]]s. If a [[government]] has rules or [[law]]s about a certain drug, then that drug is called a '''controlled substance'''.
| | The '''Controlled Substances Act''' ('''CSA''') is a United States federal law that regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances. The CSA was enacted into law by the [[91st United States Congress]] as Title II of the [[Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970]]. |
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| The [[United States Congress]] passed the law as part of the [[Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970]]. [[United States President|President]] [[Richard Nixon]] signed the [[bill (proposed law)|bill]] into law on October 27, 1970.<ref name=csa1970>[https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-84/pdf/STATUTE-84-Pg1236.pdf Pub.L. 91{{ndash}}513], 84 [[United States Statutes at Large|Stat.]] [https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-84/pdf/STATUTE-84-Pg1236.pdf 1236], enacted October 27, 1970, codified at [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/801 21 U.S.C. § 801] et. seq.</ref> | | ==Overview== |
| | The Controlled Substances Act provides the legal framework for the regulation of drugs and other substances that are subject to abuse. It classifies drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. The [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the CSA. |
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| [[File:Fist9-Cocaine.jpg|thumb|400px|A [[United States Marshals Service|U.S. Marshal]] [[wikt:seize|seizes]] bags of [[cocaine]] in 1986. The Controlled Substances Act was meant to control [[drug trafficking]], [[drug dealer|drug dealing]], and [[substance abuse|abuse]] of drugs like cocaine]]
| | ==Schedules of Controlled Substances== |
| | The CSA categorizes substances into five schedules: |
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| ==Summary==
| | * '''Schedule I''': Substances with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Examples include [[heroin]], [[LSD]], and [[cannabis]]. |
| The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) sets laws about:<ref name=csa1970/>
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| * Which drugs are controlled substances
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| * When it is illegal to make, sell, or have controlled substances
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| * What kinds of [[import]]ation and [[export]]ation of controlled substances is illegal
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| * The [[punishment]]s for breaking these laws
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| The CSA does not include [[alcoholic drink|alcohol]] or [[tobacco]] as "controlled substances."<ref>[http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode21/usc_sec_21_00000802----000-.html 21 USC § 802 – Definitions].</ref>
| | * '''Schedule II''': Substances with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence, but with accepted medical uses. Examples include [[cocaine]], [[methamphetamine]], and [[oxycodone]]. |
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| ===Schedules===
| | * '''Schedule III''': Substances with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Examples include [[anabolic steroids]], [[testosterone]], and products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit. |
| The CSA divides controlled substances up into five groups, called Schedules. Drugs are put into these categories based mostly on:<ref name=crs>{{Cite report |author=Yeh, Brian T. |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=December 13, 2012 |title=The Controlled Substances Act: Regulatory Requirements |url= |publisher=Congressional Research Service |pages=1-16 |docket= |accessdate=April 2, 2016 |quote= }}</ref>
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| * How easily and commonly they are abused;
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| * Whether they have any accepted medical uses;
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| * [[International]] [[treaty|treaties]]
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| ** For example, the [[United Nations]] may make a treaty to control a new drug. If the United States agrees to that treaty, then the CSA has to be [[amendment|amended]] (changed) to add that drug to one of the Schedules
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| ===Amendments===
| | * '''Schedule IV''': Substances with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Examples include [[alprazolam]], [[diazepam]], and [[lorazepam]]. |
| [[File:Ecstasy monogram.jpg|thumb|right|The CSA was [[amendment|amended]] in 1986 to add [[designer drug]]s like [[Ecstasy]]]]
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| Since the CSA was created in 1970, many new [[illegal drug]]s and [[medication]]s have been developed. Because of this, the Act has been amended many times to add on new types of drugs.
| | * '''Schedule V''': Substances with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Examples include [[cough preparations]] containing less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams. |
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| For example, since 1970, the CSA has been amended:<ref>[http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/21usc/841.htm 21 U.S.C. § 841 {{ndash}} Prohibited acts A.]</ref>
| | ==Regulatory Framework== |
| * In 1978, to include [[barbiturate]]s, [[benzodiazepine]]s, [[psychedelic]] drugs like [[LSD]], and [[amphetamine]]-type [[stimulant]]s
| | The CSA establishes a closed system of distribution for controlled substances, which means that only those registered with the DEA may legally handle these substances. This includes manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. The Act also sets forth the requirements for recordkeeping, security, and reporting to prevent diversion and misuse. |
| * In 1986, to add [[designer drug]]s like [[MDMA]] (Ecstasy)
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| * In 1988, to include [[chemical]]s and [[machine]]s that were being used to make [[cocaine]]
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| * In 1990, to add [[anabolic steroid]]s (man-made [[steroid]]s that act like [[testosterone]] in the body)<ref>Karch, Steven B. (2007). ''Pathology, Toxicogenetics, and Criminalistics of Drug Abuse.'' CRC Press. p. 30. {{ISBN|978-1420054569}}.</ref>
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| * In 1993, to try to control [[methamphetamine]] [[drug trafficking|trafficking]]
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| * In 2008, to prevent people from getting drugs from [[online]] [[pharmacy|pharmacies]] without having prescriptions
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| ==The Schedules== | | ==Amendments and Impact== |
| | Since its enactment, the CSA has been amended several times to address emerging drug abuse issues and to update the scheduling of substances. The Act has had a significant impact on drug policy in the United States, influencing both domestic and international drug control efforts. |
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| There are five different Schedules of controlled substances, numbered I{{ndash}}V (one through five in [[Roman numeral]]s). The CSA describes the different Schedules based on three things:<ref name=rx/>
| | ==Criticism and Controversy== |
| # [[Potential]] for [[substance abuse|abuse]]: How likely is this drug to be abused?
| | The CSA has faced criticism for its classification of certain substances, particularly [[cannabis]], as Schedule I, despite evidence of medical benefits. Critics argue that the scheduling system can hinder research and access to potentially beneficial treatments. |
| # Accepted medical use: Is this drug used as a [[treatment]] in the United States?
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| # Safety and potential for [[drug addiction|addiction]]: Is this drug safe? How likely is this drug to cause addiction? What kinds of addiction?
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| This table gives a [[summary]] of the differences between the different Schedules.<ref name=schedules>[https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/812 21 U.S.C. § 812 {{ndash}} Schedules of controlled substances].</ref>
| | ==Related pages== |
| | * [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] |
| | * [[Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970]] |
| | * [[War on Drugs]] |
| | * [[Federal drug policy of the United States]] |
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| {| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
| | [[Category:United States federal controlled substances legislation]] |
| ! scope="col" |
| | [[Category:1970 in American law]] |
| ! scope="col" | Potential for Abuse
| | [[Category:Drug control law]] |
| ! scope="col" | Accepted Medical Use?
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| ! scope="col" | Potential for Addiction
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| |-style="text-align:center;"
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| | '''Schedule I''' || High || None || Drug is not safe to use, even under medical [[wikt:supervision|supervision]]
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| |- style="text-align:center;"
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| | '''Schedule II''' || High || Yes; sometimes allowed<br>only with "severe [[wikt:restriction|restrictions]]" || Abusing the drug can cause severe physical and mental addiction
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| |-style="text-align:center;"
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| | '''Schedule III''' || Medium{{efn|Less than the drugs in Schedule I and Schedule II}} || Yes || Abusing the drug can cause severe mental addiction, or [[wikt:moderate|moderate]] physical addiction
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| |-style="text-align:center;"
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| | '''Schedule IV''' || Low{{efn|When compared with the drugs in Schedule III}} || Yes || Abusing the drug may lead to [[wikt:mild|mild]] mental or physical addiction
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| |-style="text-align:center;"
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| | '''Schedule V''' || Lowest{{efn|When compared with the drugs in Schedule IV}} || Yes || Abusing the drug may lead to mild mental or physical addiction
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| |}
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| ===Schedule I===
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| The CSA says that no doctor in the United States can write a prescription for a Schedule I drug.<ref name=rx>{{cite web |url=http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq/prescriptions.htm |title=Prescriptions: Questions and Answers |date= |website=Office of Diversion Control |publisher=Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Department of Justice |accessdate=April 2, 2016 |quote=}}</ref> Some states have passed laws allowing doctors to [[Medicinal marijuana|prescribe marijuana]] for [[disease]]s like [[cancer]] and [[AIDS]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx |title=State Medical Marijuana Laws |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=March 21, 2016 |website= |publisher=National Conference of State Legislatures |accessdate=April 2, 2016 |quote=}}</ref> Even though those prescriptions are legal in those states, they are still illegal under the CSA.<ref name=schedules/>
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| Here are some examples of Schedule I drugs:<ref name=schedules/>
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| * [[GHB]]
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| * [[Heroin]]
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| * [[LSD]]
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| * [[Marijuana]]
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| * [[Synthetic cannabis]]
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| * [[MDMA]] ("Ecstasy")
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| * [[Mescaline]]
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| * [[Peyote]]
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| * [[Psilocybin]]
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| ===Schedule II===
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| Schedule II drugs are the most-controlled type of drugs that a doctor can write a prescription for.<ref name=rx/> Some drugs that are usually illegal are on Schedule II. They are on Schedule II instead of Schedule I because sometimes, they can be used for medical reasons. For example, Schedule II includes [[cocaine]], because it can stop [[bleeding]] and kill pain in the mouth, throat, and nose.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/cocaine.pdf |title=Cocaine |date=October 2013 |website=Office of Diversion Control |publisher=Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Department of Justice |accessdate=April 2, 2016 |quote=}}</ref> Schedule II also includes [[methamphetamine]], because it is sometimes used to treat [[ADHD|Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder]] (ADHD) and severe [[obesity]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/meth.pdf |title=Methamphetamine |date=July 2013 |website=Office of Diversion Control |publisher=Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Department of Justice |accessdate=April 2, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>
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| [[File:Ritalin.jpg|thumb|250px|Even though many people use ADHD drugs like Ritalin legally, they are on Schedule II because some people abuse them]]
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| Other drugs on Schedule II include:<ref name=schedules/>
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| * [[Amphetamine]], [[Adderall]], and other medications used to treat ADHD
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| * [[Methylphenidate]] (also called Ritalin or Concerta): Used to treat ADHD
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| * [[Opiate]] [[analgesic|painkillers]]: [[fentanyl]], [[oxycodone]], [[morphine]], [[hydromorphone]], [[hydrocodone]], and pure [[codeine]]
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| * [[Methadone]], which is used to treat severe pain or [[opiate]] addiction
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| * [[Phencyclidine]] (PCP), which used to be used as an [[anesthetic]] for people and animals
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| * Short-acting [[barbiturate]]s, like [[pentobarbital]] (a [[sedative]] and strong [[anticonvulsant|anti-seizure medication]])
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| The CSA puts limits on prescriptions for Schedule II drugs. For example, prescriptions for these drugs cannot be refilled. The patient cannot get more of the medication at the pharmacy without getting a new prescription. Also, the doctor must write the prescription {{ndash}} they cannot call or [[fax]] the prescription to the pharmacy. The pharmacy needs an original copy of the prescription.<ref name=rx/>
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| ===Schedule III===
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| [[File:SteroidpillsDEA.jpg|thumb|[[Steroid]] pills that were going to be sold illegally. The CSA was [[amendment|amended]] in 1990 to include steroids]]
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| Schedule III drugs are less controlled than Schedule II drugs. Doctors can send these prescriptions to a pharmacy by fax or phone. These prescriptions can be refilled five times in six months without the patient needing a new prescription.<ref name=rx/>
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| Drugs in Schedule III include:<ref name=schedules/>
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| * Anabolic steroids: Used to treat many medical problems, like growth failure (when a child does not grow normally)
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| * [[Buprenorphine]] (also called Suboxone or Subutex): Used to treat opiate addiction
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| * [[Ketamine]]: Used as an anesthetic
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| * [[Marinol]]: Man-made [[THC|tetrahydrocannabinol]] (THC, a chemical in [[marijuana]]): Used to treat [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]] from [[chemotherapy]], and loss of [[appetite]] from AIDS
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| ===Schedule IV===
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| Schedule IV drugs have the same rules for prescriptions and refills that Schedule III drugs do. Examples of Schedule IV drugs include:<ref name=schedules/>
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| * [[Benzodiazepines]], like [[clonazepam]] (Klonopin), [[diazepam]] (Valium), and [[lorazepam]] (Ativan): Used to treat [[anxiety]]
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| * Benzodiazepine-like drugs used for [[insomnia]], like [[zolpidem]] (Ambien)
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| * Long-acting barbiturates like [[phenobarbital]]: Used to [[anticonvulsant|control seizures]]
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| [[File:Lyrica 150mg box in Finland 20110618.jpg|thumb|Schedule V drugs like Lyrica are the least controlled of all the controlled substances]]
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| ===Schedule V===
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| Schedule V drugs are the least strictly controlled of all the controlled substances. A doctor can call or fax the prescription to the pharmacy. There is no limit on the number of times a prescription can be refilled.<ref name=rx/>
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| Examples of Schedule V drugs include:<ref name=schedules/>
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| * [[Cough]] medicines with small amounts of [[codeine]] in them
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| * Mixtures with a small amount of [[opium]] in them (used to treat [[diarrhea]])
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| * Some [[anticonvulsant|anti-seizure medications]], like [[pregabalin]] (Lyrica)
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| ==Enforcement==
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| The United States [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA) is in charge of [[wikt:enforce|enforcing]] the CSA. The DEA is part of the [[United States Department of Justice]].
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| Usually, only two government agencies can add or remove drugs from a Schedule. These agencies are the (DEA) and the United States [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA). However, sometimes Congress passes special laws to add a drug to the CSA.<ref name=crs/>
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| Anyone can ask the DEA to add a drug, remove a drug, or change a drug to a different Schedule in the CSA. Even a regular person can [[petition]] the DEA for a change. After it gets a petition, the DEA starts an [[wikt:investigation|investigation]] of the drug.
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| During these investigations, the DEA gathers a lot of information, talks to different government agencies, gets the FDA's opinion, and does [[research]]. Because all of this takes time, a federal law allows the [[Attorney General of the United States]] to put a drug on Schedule I for a year. The law only allows this when there is "an [[wikt:imminent|imminent]] [[wikt:hazard|hazard]]" (an immediate threat) "to the public safety."<ref>[https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/811#h 21 U.S.C. § 811(h) {{ndash}} Authority and criteria for classification of substances].</ref> For example, in 2011, the Attorney General used this law to put [[synthetic cannabis|synthetic cannabinoids]] on Schedule I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2011/fr0301.htm |title=21 CFR Part 1308 (Docket No. DEA-345F), Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Five Synthetic Cannabinoids Into Schedule I |author=Leonhart, Michele (Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration) |date=February 18, 2011 |website=Office of Diversion Control |publisher=Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Department of Justice |accessdate=April 2, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>
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| ==Notes==
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| {{notelist}}
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist}}
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| [[Category:1970 in the United States]] | |
| [[Category:Drugs]] | |
| [[Category:Laws of the United States]]
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| [[Category:1970s in law]]
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United States federal drug policy law
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a United States federal law that regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances. The CSA was enacted into law by the 91st United States Congress as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.
Overview[edit]
The Controlled Substances Act provides the legal framework for the regulation of drugs and other substances that are subject to abuse. It classifies drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the CSA.
Schedules of Controlled Substances[edit]
The CSA categorizes substances into five schedules:
- Schedule I: Substances with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Examples include heroin, LSD, and cannabis.
- Schedule II: Substances with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence, but with accepted medical uses. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
- Schedule III: Substances with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Examples include anabolic steroids, testosterone, and products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit.
- Schedule IV: Substances with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Examples include alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam.
- Schedule V: Substances with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Examples include cough preparations containing less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.
Regulatory Framework[edit]
The CSA establishes a closed system of distribution for controlled substances, which means that only those registered with the DEA may legally handle these substances. This includes manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. The Act also sets forth the requirements for recordkeeping, security, and reporting to prevent diversion and misuse.
Amendments and Impact[edit]
Since its enactment, the CSA has been amended several times to address emerging drug abuse issues and to update the scheduling of substances. The Act has had a significant impact on drug policy in the United States, influencing both domestic and international drug control efforts.
Criticism and Controversy[edit]
The CSA has faced criticism for its classification of certain substances, particularly cannabis, as Schedule I, despite evidence of medical benefits. Critics argue that the scheduling system can hinder research and access to potentially beneficial treatments.
Related pages[edit]
