Controlled Substance Act

Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a statute in the United States 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 and became effective on May 1, 1971.

Overview

The Controlled Substances Act provides the legal framework for the regulation of drugs and other substances that are subject to abuse. The Act categorizes these substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

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 (marijuana).
• 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 with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.

Regulatory Agencies

The enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act is primarily the responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is a part of the United States Department of Justice. The DEA is tasked with preventing the diversion of controlled substances into illegal channels while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, scientific, and research needs.

Amendments and Impact

Since its enactment, the CSA has been amended several times to address emerging drug abuse issues and to adjust the scheduling of substances. The Act has had a significant impact on the regulation of pharmaceuticals and the practice of medicine in the United States, influencing how drugs are prescribed, dispensed, and monitored.

Criticism and Controversy

The Controlled Substances Act has faced criticism for its classification of certain substances, particularly cannabis, as Schedule I drugs, which some argue impedes research and medical use. Additionally, the Act's impact on the criminal justice system and its role in the "War on Drugs" have been points of contention.

Also see

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• War on Drugs
• Narcotic
• Pharmaceutical regulation in the United States
• Substance abuse