Which of the following schedules has drugs considered to have a lower potential for abuse?

Which of the following schedules has drugs considered to have a lower potential for abuse?

• A. Schedule I
• B. Schedule II
• C. Schedule III
• D. Schedule IV

Answer: (C)

The classification of controlled substances under various schedules is primarily based on their potential for abuse, their medicinal use, and safety profiles. Schedule III drugs are considered to have a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and Schedule II substances. Schedule I drugs are characterized by having a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Schedule II drugs also have a high potential for abuse but are recognized as having accepted medical uses, though under strict regulations. In contrast, Schedule III substances have accepted medical uses and a lower potential for abuse than the more strictly controlled schedules. This can include medications that may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Schedule IV drugs are recognized for even lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs, but the answer identifies Schedule III as the correct choice because it specifically emphasizes the shift from the highest schedules to lower potential for abuse while still maintaining medicinal value.

The classification of controlled substances under various schedules is primarily based on their potential for abuse, their medicinal use, and safety profiles. Schedule III drugs are considered to have a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and Schedule II substances.

Schedule I drugs are characterized by having a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Schedule II drugs also have a high potential for abuse but are recognized as having accepted medical uses, though under strict regulations.

In contrast, Schedule III substances have accepted medical uses and a lower potential for abuse than the more strictly controlled schedules. This can include medications that may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Schedule IV drugs are recognized for even lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs, but the answer identifies Schedule III as the correct choice because it specifically emphasizes the shift from the highest schedules to lower potential for abuse while still maintaining medicinal value.