Controlled Substances Act

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970
• War on Drugs
• Federal drug policy of the United States