Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which schedule of drugs typically has the highest potential for abuse?

1. Schedule I

2. Schedule II

3. Schedule III

4. Schedule IV

The correct answer is: Schedule I

Schedule I drugs are classified as having the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. This classification is reserved for substances that are considered to pose a significant risk of addiction and dependence. Drugs in this category include substances such as heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and cannabis, despite the changing legal landscape around some of these substances at the state level. The rationale for this classification is based on both scientific evidence and societal concerns regarding the potential consequences of misuse. As Schedule I drugs are deemed to have a high potential for abuse, there are stricter regulations surrounding their possession, distribution, and research. In contrast, the other schedules (Schedule II, III, and IV) include drugs that, while still potentially addictive, are recognized to have legitimate medical uses and are available with varying levels of prescription control. This distinction helps to clarify the potential risks associated with these drugs compared to Schedule I substances, reinforcing why Schedule I is viewed as having the highest potential for abuse.