The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a cornerstone of federal drug policy in the United States. Enacted in 1970, it regulates the manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of specific substances deemed to have a potential for abuse or addiction. Administered primarily by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the CSA classifies drugs into five distinct schedules based on their accepted medical use and potential for dependence or abuse.
Schedule I substances are considered the most dangerous, with no recognized medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I substances include:
Schedule II substances also have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II substances include:
Schedule III substances have less potential for abuse and a lower potential for physical and psychological dependence. Schedule III substances include:
Schedule IV substances have low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Schedule IV substances include:
Schedule V substances also have a low potential for abuse and consist primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V substances include:
This classification under the Controlled Substances Act is important to understand because this system impacts sentencing, bail, and plea negotiations in federal drug cases.
Violations of the CSA are treated as serious federal crimes. Defendants can face mandatory minimum sentences, asset forfeiture, and enhanced penalties depending on the type and amount of substance involved. Even substances that are legal under state law, like marijuana in some jurisdictions, can trigger federal charges if transported across state lines or sold in large quantities.
Understanding the CSA is critical for anyone involved in a federal drug investigation. The act doesn’t just criminalize drug trafficking—it governs how evidence is gathered, how drugs are tested and identified, and even how sentencing is calculated. At Glozman Law, we thoroughly analyze CSA-related charges to build a tailored defense that challenges the government’s case from every angle.