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Drug Schedules in DC

The Controlled Substances Act is the act that governs the manufacturing, dispensing, possession, and distribution of controlled substances in Washington, DC.

DC classifies controlled substances into a controlled substance schedule, which is broken out through schedule 1 through 5. These drug schedules in DC are according to the potential for abuse that the substance has. The mayor of DC has the responsibility to consider the potential for abuse any scientific evidence of the substances, pharmacological effects, the body of scientific knowledge about the substance, the history and pattern of abuse of the substance, the risk to public health, and the potential of the substance to cause psychological or physiological dependence.

Due to the potential for very serious penalties, it is crucial that a person facing drug charges in DC contacts a Washington DC drug lawyer immediately to ensure that they have the chance to minimize these penalties as much as possible. Controlled substances in DC are classified according to schedules.

Schedule 1

Controlled substances that have a high potential for abuse and also have no medical value or use are classified as schedule 1 drugs. One common example of a schedule 1 drug is heroin.

Possession of a schedule 1 drug is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Selling schedule 1 drugs that are considered to be a narcotic or an abusive drug is punishable by 30 years on prison, a $75,000, or both.

Schedule 2

Controlled substances with a high potential for abuse that might lead to dependence, but that also have an acceptable medical value and used for treatment with severe restrictions are classified as schedule 2 drugs. One very common example of a schedule 2 drug is cocaine.

Possession of schedule 2 drug is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $1,000, or both. Selling schedule 2 drugs that are considered to be a narcotic or abusive drug is punishable by 30 years in prison, a $75,000, or both. However, if the schedule 2 drug is not considered to be a narcotic or abusive drug, then selling that drug is punishable by 5 years in prison, a $12,500 fine, or both.

Schedule 3

Controlled substances that have a potential for abuse that may lead to a low or moderate physical dependence or a high psychological dependence, but that also have an acceptable medical use and treatment are classified as schedule 3 drugs. A common example of a schedule 3 drug is anabolic steroids.

Possession of schedule 3 drug is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Selling of schedule 3 drugs is punishable by 5 years in prison, a $12,500 fine, or both.

Schedule 4

Controlled substances with a low potential for abuse lower than schedule 3 drugs that might lead to a limited physical or psychological dependence and also has an acceptable medical use or value are classified as schedule 4 drugs. Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, is a common example of a schedule 4 drug.

Possession of a schedule 4 drug without a valid prescription is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Selling a schedule 4 drug is punishable by 3 years in prison, a $12,500 fine, or both.

Schedule 5

Controlled substances that have a lower potential for abuse that may lead to a limited physical or psychological dependence than schedule 4 drugs and that have an acceptable medical use and value in treatment are classified as schedule 5 drugs.

One common example of a schedule 5 drug is a cough medication that has codeine in it. If that cough medication has 200 mg or less of codeine per 100 ml, then that drug will be classified as a schedule 5 drug.

Possession of a schedule 5 drug without a valid prescription is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Selling a schedule 5 drug is punishable by 1 year in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both.