What defines Schedule 1 drugs?

Schedule 1 drugs are substances that are defined by the Controlled Substances Act as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification indicates that these drugs are considered incredibly dangerous, and their possession and use are heavily regulated. The defining characteristic of Schedule 1 substances is the lack of accepted medical use, which means that they cannot be prescribed, and their availability is limited to authorized research settings.

This classification includes drugs such as heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which are recognized for their potential to cause serious physical or psychological dependence. Hence, their categorization strictly as research substances underscores their classification as having no proven or widely accepted therapeutic applications.