Which schedule category allows over-the-counter purchase of certain controlled substances?

Which schedule category allows over-the-counter purchase of certain controlled substances?

• A. Schedule II
• B. Schedule IV
• C. Schedule V
• D. Schedule I

Answer: (C)

Access to controlled substances is regulated by how much potential for abuse they have and whether they have an accepted medical use. As the schedule number increases, the drugs generally become less tightly controlled and more accessible for medical use. Schedule V sits at the end of that spectrum: it has the lowest potential for abuse among controlled substances and is used for medical purposes in small amounts. Because of that lower risk, some places allow certain Schedule V products to be purchased over the counter, often with age checks and limits on quantities. In contrast, drugs in Schedule II have a high potential for abuse and require a strict prescription; those in Schedule III and IV also require prescriptions but with decreasing abuse risk; Schedule I has no accepted medical use and cannot be prescribed or sold.

Access to controlled substances is regulated by how much potential for abuse they have and whether they have an accepted medical use. As the schedule number increases, the drugs generally become less tightly controlled and more accessible for medical use. Schedule V sits at the end of that spectrum: it has the lowest potential for abuse among controlled substances and is used for medical purposes in small amounts. Because of that lower risk, some places allow certain Schedule V products to be purchased over the counter, often with age checks and limits on quantities. In contrast, drugs in Schedule II have a high potential for abuse and require a strict prescription; those in Schedule III and IV also require prescriptions but with decreasing abuse risk; Schedule I has no accepted medical use and cannot be prescribed or sold.