What is considered a Schedule 5 drug?

A Schedule 5 drug is classified under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating that it contains lower amounts of narcotics compared to drugs in higher schedules. Schedule 5 drugs are generally considered to have a lower potential for abuse and have accepted medical uses.

Codeine is classified as a Schedule 5 drug when it is present in combination products that contain less than 200 milligrams per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams. This means that in specific formulations, codeine can be prescribed and used for medical purposes, such as for cough suppression or mild pain relief, with relatively lower risks of dependency or abuse compared to substances found in higher schedules.

In contrast, heroin is a Schedule 1 drug with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. Cocaine, classified as a Schedule 2 drug, has a high potential for abuse but is available under strict regulations for certain medical uses. LSD is also a Schedule 1 drug and is not considered to have accepted medical uses. Understanding these classifications helps in recognizing the legal and medical status of various substances, including how they are regulated and their implications for medical practice.