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Schedules of controlled substances in the United States*

Schedules of controlled substances in the United States*
Schedule Examples Medical use? Potential for abuse/dependence Prescription
I Heroin, marijuana, LSD NoΔ High Not applicable
II Narcotics: Yes High Require a written prescription by a licensed practitioner. Refilling of individual prescriptions is prohibited.
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Hydrocodone and hydrocodone combinations (eg, with acetaminophen)
  • Hydromorphone
  • Morphine
  • Methadone
  • Oxycodone and oxycodone combinations (eg, with acetaminophen)
  • Tapentadol
Stimulants:
  • Amphetamine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Methylphenidate
Other:
  • Cocaine
  • Pentobarbital, secobarbital
III Narcotics: Yes Less than with Schedule I and II drugs A prescription for a drug in Schedules III through V must be issued by a licensed practitioner and may be communicated orally, in writing, or by facsimile to the pharmacist; may be refilled up to five times
  • Buprenorphine
  • Combination products with <90 mg codeine/unit (eg, acetaminophen with codeine)
Non-narcotics:
  • Dronabinol
  • Ketamine
IV Narcotics: Yes Less than with Schedule III drugs
  • Tramadol and combinations (eg, with acetaminophen)
Others:
  • Alprazolam
  • Diazepam
  • Clonazepam
  • Lorazepam
  • Midazolam
V Preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotic and stimulant drugs used for antitussive, antidiarrheal, and analgesic purposes (eg, cough preparation with <200 mg codeine/100 mL [eg, Robitussin AC]) Yes Lower than with Schedule IV drugs
* Drugs and other substances that are considered controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act are divided into five schedules based upon whether they have a currently accepted medical use in the United States and their relative abuse potential and likelihood of causing dependence when abused.
¶ Lysergic acid diethylamide.
Δ Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. The definition of Schedule I in the law indicates a lack of accepted medical use, and the designation as such in the table reflects this statutory language. Several states have made marijuana legal for medical and/or recreational use under state law. Marijuana's legal status is reviewed in greater detail in the UpToDate content on the epidemiology, comorbidity, health consequences, and medico-legal status of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. 
United States Department of Justice; Drug Enforcement Administration website http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/#list.
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