For the purposes of imposing penalties on drug crimes in Tennessee, federal law and state law classifies controlled substances into “Schedules” depending on their potential for abuse and whether there is a legitimate medical use of the drug. A drug crime involving a Schedule I drug is more serious than a drug crime involving a Schedule II drug, etc. The following is a brief overview of how Tennessee classifies controlled substances.
Schedule I drugs
In Tennessee, Schedule I drugs are those that have a higher risk of addiction or dependency than other classifications of drugs and that have no legitimate medicinal use. Some examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD and psilocybin mushrooms. It is important to note that federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, but under Tennessee law, marijuana is a Schedule VI drug.
Schedule II drugs
In Tennessee, Schedule II drugs have a relatively high risk of abuse, but unlike Schedule I drugs, do have a legitimate medicinal use. Some examples of Schedule II drugs include narcotics, cocaine and methamphetamines.
Schedule III drugs
In Tennessee, Schedule III drugs are those that are not as dangerous as Schedule II drugs, but still carry a moderate risk of abuse. Some examples of Schedule III drugs include anabolic steroids, ketamine and certain depressants.
Schedule IV drugs
In Tennessee, Schedule IV drugs are those that have a small risk of dependency and many legitimate medicinal uses. Some examples of Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Valium and other benzodiazepines and sedatives.
Schedule V drugs
In Tennessee, Schedule V drugs are those with a very low risk of dependency. One example of a Schedule V drug is Tylenol with Codeine.
Schedule VI drugs
In Tennessee, marijuana is a Schedule VI drug. It is considered to have a low risk of dependency when compared to other drugs.
Schedule VII drugs
In Tennessee there is only one Schedule VII drug — butyl nitrate. Some common names for this drug include “poppers” and “locker room rush.”
Learn more about drug crimes in Tennessee
Ultimately, this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Those who want to learn more about drug crimes in Tennessee are encouraged to visit our website for further information.