Drug Schedules

There are literally hundreds of drugs which are illegal to possess in Nevada in one form or another. In order to properly categorize the drugs which are controlled by Nevada law, the State of Nevada has created and adopted a listing of different categories of drugs, known as a drug “schedule,” which allows the controlled substances to be classified by certain characteristics.

As an example, consider the following schedule:

Under Nevada Revised State (“NRS”) 453.166, Schedule I substances are a category of drugs which are believed to have a strong likelihood of abuse and do not have a recognized use for treatment in the medical community and thus lack a benefit when administered under the care of a doctor.

Some common examples of schedule I controlled substances are what are commonly called “illicit” or “street” drugs, such as:

• Heroin;
• Crack cocaine;
• MDMA (ecstasy);
• LSD (acid);
• GHB (the “date rape drug”);
• Methamphetamine (Crystal, Meth, Speed, Crank);
• PCP; and
• THC (Marijuana, Cannabis, "Weed," "Pot"); among others.

Under NRS 453.176 Schedule II controlled substances the same high potential for abuse as schedule I substances, but has some accepted in the medical community (with restrictions). Schedule II substances are believed to lead to severe psychological or physical dependency. This category of drugs are considered to be highly “addictive.”

Some examples of schedule II controlled substances are:

• Opium;
• Oxycodone (Oxycontin);
• Hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet, Vicodin);
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid);
• Morphine;
• Ritalin; among others.

Under NRS 453.186 Schedule III controlled substances, while still possessing a potential for abuse, are less likely to be abused by the user that the substances listed in schedules I and II. Schedule III substances have accepted medical use when prescribed by a health care provider in the United States. Schedule III drugs are believed to have a low to moderate dependence of a physical or psychological nature.

Common examples of a schedule III substances are:

• Anabolic steroids;
• Ketamine; and
• Codeine; among others

Under NRS 453.196 Schedule IV controlled substances have a low likelihood of abuse by the user and have recognized uses for medical treatment within the United States. These substances are believed to cause relatively limited dependence by their users.

Schedule IV controlled substances include:

• Benzodiazepines (Benzo’s);
• Alprazolam (Xanax): and
• Diazepam (Valium); among others

Under NRS 453.206 Schedule V list controlled substances which have little potential for abuse and are commonly used by medical doctors during treatment. Additionally, Schedule V substances have a low likelihood of chemical dependence. An example of a schedule V controlled substance would be a cough suppressant containing Codeine.

If you have questions about drug schedules in Nevada, or about charges related to the possession of sale of controlled substances, call us today at the Las Vegas Drug Crime Defense firm of Hofland & Tomsheck. We have the training and experience to ensure you get the best defense possible. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will meet with you for a free consultation. Call us today and let us start working for you.