Controlled substances can come into people’s lives in many ways. Some individuals may receive prescriptions for medications after suffering an injury or undergoing surgery or another medical procedure. Others may have a substance abuse problem and try to get access to these substances any way they can. Unfortunately, if you fall in the latter group, you could face criminal charges if found in possession of a controlled substance.
The government classifies controlled substances as Schedule I through Schedule V. If you face possession charges, it may come in handy to know into which category the substance falls. In many cases, more severe charges can result from substances considered Schedule I due to their having a greater potential for harm.
What are Schedule I drugs?
Schedule I drugs are considered the more dangerous types of substances. They have a high potential for abuse and are not used even under medical supervision, which means medical professionals cannot write prescriptions for these substances. Some common Schedule I substances include the following:
- Ecstasy and MDMA
- Marijuana
- LSD
- Bath salts
- GHB
- Mescaline
- Heroin
- Quaalude
This list does not include every Schedule I substance. Additionally, authorities could treat a particular substance as a Schedule I drug even if not specifically listed as a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency. This information is particularly useful in the event that you face a criminal drug charge.
What is a designer drug?
In some cases, a controlled substance could be altered but still have similarities to a Schedule I substance. These “designer drugs” are created for human consumption and are not approved as a medication in the United States. This type of drug could also qualify as a controlled substance analogue. Nonetheless, possession of such a substance could still lead to serious criminal allegations.
What can you do about charges?
If authorities charge you for possession of a Schedule I substance, you face a serious predicament. Understandably, you will want to know your best options for handling the allegations in order to work toward the most favorable outcomes possible. In order to gain reliable information, you may want to utilize local Florida legal resources. Enlisting the help of an experienced attorney can also prove useful to your understanding of your case and in creating and presenting your criminal defense.
