ScheduleI

Schedule I is a classification used by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to categorize substances that have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Substances classified under Schedule I are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification is the most restrictive under the Controlled Substances Act and is intended to prevent the development of a medicinal use for these substances.

Examples of substances classified under Schedule I include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and peyote. The DEA's classification of a substance under Schedule I is based on its potential for abuse, its lack of accepted medical use, and its potential for physical and psychological dependence. Substances classified under Schedule I are subject to strict regulations, including stringent record-keeping requirements and limitations on their distribution and use.

The classification of a substance under Schedule I is not permanent and can be changed if new medical evidence emerges. For example, in 2018, the DEA reclassified cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, reflecting its growing acceptance for medical use. However, Schedule I remains the most restrictive classification and is reserved for substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.