How Does Virginia Classify Illegal Drugs & Other Substances?
It is a crime in Virginia to possess or distribute illegal drugs or similar substances. All of these compounds are legally referred to as controlled substances. In Virginia, state law requires the Board of Pharmacy (the Board) to classify controlled substances in different categories, referred to legally as schedules.
These schedules exist to control the possession, use, and distribution of dangerous substances. In this way, Virginia can limit the potential harm of injury or death stemming from controlled substances. Furthermore, Virginia also considers the likelihood of abuse and recognized medical use, if any, in the classification of controlled substances.
Schedule I Substances
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3445, the Board must classify a controlled substance in Schedule I if:
- There is a high likelihood of abuse; and
- The substance is not acceptable for medical use in the United States or lacks appropriate safety for supervised treatment.
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3446, Schedule I includes but is not limited to the following controlled substances:
- Fentanyl;
- Heroin;
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD); and
- Opium.
Schedule II Substances
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3447, the Board must classify a controlled substance in Schedule II if:
- There is a high likelihood of abuse;
- The substance is acceptable medical use in the United States with severe restrictions; and
- Abuse of the substance may result in mental or physical addiction.
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3448, Schedule II includes but is not limited to the following controlled substances:
- Cocaine;
- Methadone;
- Methamphetamine; and
- Phencyclidine (PCP).
Schedule III Substances
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3449, the Board must classify a controlled substance in Schedule III if:
- There is a relatively low likelihood of abuse, as compared to Schedule I and II substances;
- The substance is acceptable for medical use in the United States; and
- Abuse of the substance may result in moderate physical or high mental addition.
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3450, Schedule III includes but is not limited to the following controlled substances:
- Anabolic Steroids;
- Codeine; and
- Morphine.
Schedule IV Substances
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3451, the Board must classify a controlled substance in Schedule IV if:
- There is a relatively low likelihood of abuse, as compared to Schedule III substances;
- The substance is acceptable for medical use in the United States; and
- Abuse of the substance has a lower likelihood of addition than Schedule III substances.
Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3452, Schedule IV includes but is not limited to the following controlled substances:
- Alprazolam (branded as Xanax);
- Diazepam (branded as Valium); and
- Other substances with similar sedative effects.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you have legal questions about drug crimes in Virginia, it can be extremely fruitful to speak with an accomplished Leesburg drug crimes lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP have profound experience with criminal charges for drug crimes and various other offense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/how-does-virginia-address-methamphetamine-manufacturing/
