Legal Definitions - controlled substance

A controlled substance is a drug or substance that is regulated by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This means that it is illegal to manufacture, sell, prescribe, distribute, dispense, administer, possess, have under control, abandon, or transport a controlled substance, unless it is allowed by the Act.

Controlled substances are classified into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medicinal use. Schedule 1 substances have no medicinal use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule 5 substances have a low potential for abuse and are used for medicinal purposes.

Examples of controlled substances include:

• Opiates, fentanyl derivatives, and opium derivatives, including heroin
• Hallucinogenic substances, including LSD
• Systemic depressants and other depressants
• Some anti-anxiety medications
• Stimulants
• Narcotics
• Anabolic steroids
• Anticonvulsants

It is important to note that although marijuana is listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, many states have legalized it or allow for its use in specific circumstances. Alcohol, on the other hand, is not considered a controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

The examples illustrate the definition by showing the different types of drugs and substances that are considered controlled substances and the different schedules they are classified under. This helps to regulate their use and prevent abuse and addiction.