Ever hear someone talk about how a certain drug is in a certain schedule? Drugs under the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C) § 3719.41 are classified into certain levels or schedules. The levels are from Schedules 1 through 5, 1 being the most severe and 5 being the least severe. Although most of the drugs in § 3719.41 are almost impossible to know, nevertheless pronounce—who knows what the Schedule I drug "Ethylmethylthiambutene" is without a quick Google search, there are other drugs that are widely known such as marijuana or cocaine. Below is a simple explanation of what each schedule entails and some of the drugs that each encompass.
Schedule I Drugs
This level is reserved for the worst drugs because of their danger to the user and their high risk of addiction or dependency. The drugs in this schedule have no medical uses. Some drugs in this category are marijuana, GHB, heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
NOTE: I know what you're thinking—"why is marijuana a Schedule 1 drug? I thought this schedule was reserved for the worst of the worst drugs?" Well, because of all the new and updated research and data on marijuana's medical uses, this is one of the biggest reasons why there is a large-scale, nationwide debate on whether marijuana should be classified as a Schedule 1 drug. Time will tell whether marijuana remains in this schedule. See our blog on marijuana laws titled "Ohio Cannabis Rights Amendment" for more information.
Schedule II Drugs
The drugs in this level are still very dangerous and have a high risk of addiction or dependency, however the drugs in this schedule have medicinal uses. Drugs in this level include, but are not limited to, cocaine, opium, amphetamines, and methamphetamines.
Schedule III Drugs
The drugs in this category have a moderate risk of abuse, however are slightly less dangerous than those drugs in Schedule II drugs. These drugs include some over-the-counter drugs such as hydrocodone and codeine, some depressants, and performance enhancement drugs like anabolic steroids, testosterone, and ketamine.
Schedule IV Drugs
Schedule 4 drugs include clonazepam, sedatives, and some tranquilizers. The drugs in this category are very much accepted for use in the medical world, and have a very low risk of dependency or addiction.
Schedule V Drugs
The last schedule has drugs that have a very low risk of dependency or addiction and include things like over-the-counter medications that you can pick up at your local pharmacy.
Changes in Schedules
Drug classifications in Ohio do not change very much, however with new research and data drugs have been known to switch schedules in both directions.
Have a question about your drug charge or what your punishment could be? Contact your local Columbus criminal defense attorney at The Meranda Law Firm LTD where we will give you the best defensive legal strategy for your money.
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