Which schedule has a high potential for abuse and accepted medical use?

Schedule II substances are classified as having a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. However, they also have accepted medical uses in the United States, meaning that they can be prescribed for legitimate medical purposes under stringent regulations.

Examples of Schedule II drugs include opioids like oxycodone and stimulants like amphetamines, which are recognized for their therapeutic benefits but require careful control due to their potential for misuse. The classification ensures that these medications can be obtained and used in a medically appropriate manner, while still addressing the risk associated with their abuse.

In contrast, Schedule I substances are deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, making them illegal to prescribe. Schedules IV and V include drugs with lower abuse potential compared to Schedule II, thus resulting in less stringent regulations; they are considered to have accepted medical uses, but their potential for abuse is recognized as significantly less.