Individual states, however, may have their own laws on medications, more rules regarding who and how medication is dispensed or carried, or higher penalties for not following those rules.Īre ADHD medications considered controlled substances? The CSA is a federal law and provides a set of standards that apply throughout the United States. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential to be abused and have no medical use. For example, Schedule V drugs have lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs, and the drug has an approved use in medical treatment in the United States. The CSA uses five levels (Schedule I through V) that put drugs or substances in each level based on their potential for abuse or misuse and whether there are approved medical uses for the drug. (For more information, see Medication Abuse and Diversion.) The CSA identifies many substances, including those considered illegal drugs or “street drugs,” along with numerous medications that treat a variety of medical and psychological conditions, but which also may be subject to misuse. 812) says which substances are controlled in the United States and are subject to strict regulation. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, 21 USC Sec. These laws cover when and if it is illegal for someone to make the drug, have it in their possession, or use or sell it. If the police stop you for something such as a traffic violation or disorderly conduct and you are carrying ADHD medication in an unmarked container, you may be at greater risk of being suspected of illegal drug use.Īny chemical substance or its chemical precursor (compounds that are used to make these substances) that is regulated by federal or state laws is a controlled substance. Law enforcement officers pay attention to possible drug abuse, especially among teenagers and young adults.

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