Although many people know that it is a crime to be in possession of certain drugs — or “controlled substances” — most don’t understand how what the law says and what sorts of penalties are handed down for a drug possession conviction. Georgia state law mimics the federal Controlled Substances Act in that it divides substances into five different types or “schedules” based on both their accepted medical uses and likelihood of drug addiction or abuse.
Schedule I substances: No accepted medical use and have a high likelihood of addiction/abuse; Includes heroin, MDMA and peyote.
Schedule II substances: Have an accepted medical use but are subject to restrictions, and have a high likelihood of addiction/abuse; Includes Oxycodone, methamphetamine and cocaine.
Schedule III substances: Have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of addiction/abuse than Schedule I or II substances; Includes ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone.
Schedule IV substances: Have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of addiction/abuse than III substances; Includes Lorazepam, Clonazepam and Diazepam.
Schedule V substances: Have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of addiction/abuse than Schedule IV substances; Includes cough preparations with certain amounts of codeine, opium or other substances.
If you have been arrested for any sort of drug-related crime — possession, sales, manufacture — contact our office to speak to a drug attorney who can protect your rights and your freedom as soon as possible. Call our Cumming, Georgia office at 866-896-4017 today. Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland represents those facing drug charges in Forsyth County and surrounding counties.