Which schedule is associated with the highest abuse potential and no accepted medical use?

• A. Schedule II
• B. Schedule III
• C. Schedule IV
• D. Schedule I

Answer: (D)

Drug scheduling weighs abuse potential against medical usefulness. The highest abuse potential with no accepted medical use is found in the top tier, Schedule I. Substances in this category are not accepted for medical treatment in the United States and are considered to have a high potential for harm with no legitimate medical purpose. Examples often cited include heroin and LSD. Other schedules (II, III, IV) involve drugs that do have medical uses, though with varying levels of abuse risk and stricter to looser controls. So the correct emphasis is on the category that combines no accepted medical use with the greatest potential for abuse: Schedule I.