The Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a U.S. law that regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of drugs and other substances. It classifies these substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety. Schedule I includes drugs with no accepted medical use, like heroin, while Schedule II includes highly regulated drugs like oxycodone. The CSA aims to prevent drug abuse and ensure that medications are used safely and effectively, balancing public health concerns with the need for medical access. Violations of the CSA can lead to severe legal penalties.