Controlled Substances Act of 1970

Controlled Substances Act
91st United States Congress
Long title An Act to amend the Public Health Service Act and other laws to provide increased research into, and prevention of, drug abuse and drug dependence; to provide for treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers and drug dependent persons; and to strengthen existing law enforcement authority in the field of drug abuse.
Enacted by	91st United States Congress
Enacted	October 27, 1970
Signed by	President Richard Nixon
Signed	October 27, 1970
Introduced by	Representative Harley O. Staggers

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) is a United States federal law that regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances. The CSA is the legal foundation of the government's fight against drug abuse and is a key component of the War on Drugs.

Overview

The Controlled Substances Act was enacted as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. It established a single system of control for both narcotic and psychotropic drugs, consolidating numerous laws regulating drugs into one statute. The Act categorizes drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

Schedules

• Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous, with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Examples include heroin, LSD, and cannabis.
• Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
• Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs and have accepted medical uses. Examples include anabolic steroids and ketamine.
• Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III drugs. Examples include diazepam and lorazepam.
• Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Examples include cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters.

Enforcement

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the CSA. The DEA regulates the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances and works to prevent drug trafficking and abuse.

Amendments and Impact

Since its enactment, the CSA has been amended several times to address emerging drug trends and challenges. The Act has been influential in shaping drug policy in the United States and has been a model for international drug control treaties.

Criticism and Controversy

The CSA has faced criticism for its classification of certain drugs, particularly cannabis, as Schedule I substances. Critics argue that this classification hinders research and medical use. The Act has also been criticized for contributing to mass incarceration due to harsh penalties for drug offenses.

Also see

• War on Drugs
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
• Federal drug policy of the United States
• Cannabis in the United States