Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

Which DEA schedule contains drugs that have a very high potential for abuse and are not usually used as medication?

1. Schedule II

2. Schedule III

3. Schedule IV

4. Schedule I

The correct answer is: Schedule I

Schedule I drugs are classified as having a very high potential for abuse and are not accepted for medical use in the United States. This classification includes substances that lack accepted safety for use under medical supervision, making them among the most restricted drugs. Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and marijuana (cannabis), which is considered illegal at the federal level, despite some state laws permitting its use. The distinguishing feature of Schedule I is that these drugs are deemed to pose significant risks of addiction and abuse, which is the primary reason they are not typically prescribed or utilized in therapeutic settings. This stands in contrast to drugs categorized under other schedules, which may have medical applications but also present some level of potential for abuse. Understanding the classifications established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as it informs how medications are handled, stored, and dispensed in accordance with legal regulations.