Federal law has established five different categories of illicit drugs. These “drug schedules” organize illegal substances into Schedules I through V based on the risk level of addiction and the severity of potential health problems that can result from taking the drugs. The least serious categories of illicit drugs are Schedule IV and Schedule V.
Schedule IV substances:
Schedule IV drugs are considered to have a low chance of abuse and a low, less-likely chance of addiction by the users of the substances. For this reason, they fall fairly low on the drug “totem pole” in terms of the severity of punishments. These drugs have viable medical purposes. Nevertheless, they are still controlled substances, and those caught in unlawful possession of them could find themselves in serious trouble with the law.
Here are some of the main drugs that fall under Schedule IV:
- Valium
- Xanax
- Ambien
- Difenoxin
Schedule V substances:
Schedule V substances are the least dangerous drugs, and they come with the lowest chance of abuse. There is also a low likelihood that users will become addicted to the substances, and they have acceptable medical purposes. Still, just like Schedule IV substances, these drugs are illegal without a prescription. Two of the most common Schedule V substances include:
- Ezogabine
- Cough Syrup with codeine
Were you accused of a crime related to a Schedule IV or V substance?
Those accused of any type of drug crime might need to formulate a criminal defense to answer the charges in court. Our law office is available to help you with all of your drug-related criminal defense needs. We will review the facts pertaining to your case and devise a suitable strategy to help you navigate your legal matter.