Although laws vary by state, the federal government places all drugs into schedules. Most drug offenses occur with Schedule I and Schedule II drugs. The drug offense lawyers at America's Criminal defense Group have experience defending those accused of possession, sale, and manufacturing of all types of drugs.

Schedule I
Schedule I drugs have no medical use, have a very high potential for abuse, and cannot be used safely even under medical observation. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and cannabis (marijuana).

Schedule II
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and can cause severe psychological and physical dependence, but have medical uses. Examples of Schedule II drugs include cocaine, morphine, opium, oxycodone (the main ingredient in OxyContin® and Percocet®), and methamphetamine..

Schedule III
Schedule III drugs have the potential for abuse, are acceptable for medical use in the United States, and cause low to moderate psychological dependence. Examples of Schedule III drugs include Marinol® (used to treat vomiting caused by chemotherapy) and hydrocodone when combined in dosage units of less than 15mg with acetaminophen (Vicodin® is an example of the hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination).

Schedule IV
Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, are used medically in the United States, and may cause limited physical and psychological dependence. Examples of Schedule IV drugs include XANAX®, Valium®, and Darvocet.

Schedule V
Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse, are considered safe for medical use in the United States, and have the lowest potential for physical and psychological dependence. An example of a Schedule V drug is cough syrup.

The attorneys at TOMB ROBERTS & BUCIO can help you better understand this schedule.