What is a key characteristic of CIII controlled substances?

• A. They have no accepted medical uses.
• B. They have a high potential for abuse.
• C. They have accepted medical uses with lower abuse potential than CI and CII.
• D. They are completely safe for long-term use.

Answer: (C)

CIII controlled substances, or Schedule III drugs, are defined by their accepted medical uses in the treatment of various conditions. One of the main characteristics distinguishing them from Schedule I and II substances is the level of abuse potential associated with them. While CIII substances do have some potential for abuse, it is lower compared to drugs classified under Schedule I and II.

The nature of Schedule III substances allows healthcare professionals to prescribe them for medical purposes while implementing regulatory controls to mitigate risks of misuse. This schedule typically includes medications such as anabolic steroids and certain formulations of codeine, which can be prescribed legally for various therapeutic uses.

This established differentiation in potential for abuse and accepted medical utility is what solidifies the classification of Schedule III controlled substances. Other classifications, such as Schedule I, contain substances that are deemed to have no accepted medical uses whatsoever, and Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, thereby justifying stricter controls.