Which law establishes the criteria for scheduling controlled substances?

• A. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
• B. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
• C. The Drug Enforcement Administration Regulations
• D. The Occupational Safety and Health Act

Answer: (B)

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) establishes the criteria for scheduling controlled substances. This legislation is crucial because it categorizes drugs based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. The scheduling system ranges from Schedule I, which includes substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, to Schedule V, which consists of substances with a lower potential for abuse and accepted medical uses.

The CSA provides a framework that federal and state authorities follow for regulating the manufacturing, distribution, prescribing, and dispensing of controlled substances, ensuring public safety while allowing access for legitimate medical use. In contrast, the other laws mentioned do not specifically address the scheduling of controlled substances. For instance, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act primarily focuses on the regulation of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics, while the Drug Enforcement Administration Regulations enforce the provisions of the CSA. The Occupational Safety and Health Act pertains to workplace safety and does not have a role in drug scheduling.