What Is a Schedule 2 Drug?

There are many ways to classify addictive or mind-altering substances. Something might be labeled as a narcotic, a hallucinogen, or a depressant. But what is a schedule 2 drug?

Substance abuse is a major issue in today's society, but not all drugs have the same effects or severity. To distinguish between them, the United States government has a system in place that assigns each drug to one of several "schedules," or categories. This helps the authorities determine what kind of repercussions or resources should be in place when someone is caught making, using, or distributing illicit substances.

However, it can be tough for individuals to understand which laws and regulations apply to which substances. If you're confused about what constitutes a schedule 2 drug — and how those substances are handled or legislated — here's what you need to know.

How Drug Schedules Work

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the agency responsible for understanding drugs and determining their classifications. The DEA uses a five-schedule system to differentiate between substances and assign penalties accordingly. As new drugs enter the market, they are added to these growing categories. The DEA also updates drug schedules periodically to change or remove substances' classifications as needed.

Schedule 1

This classification is reserved for drugs with no accepted medical use, such as LSD, heroin, ecstasy, and peyote. A schedule 1 drug has a high potential for abuse and is illegal in most circumstances. Right now, this category also includes marijuana. Although marijuana is becoming more mainstream for medical and recreational use, its classification has not been downgraded yet. As the topmost tier, the penalty for misusing a schedule 1 drug is generally the most severe and can include a prison sentence.

Schedule 2

These are substances that may have some accepted medical use but also carry a high potential for addiction or abuse. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Adderall, Ritalin, and fentanyl. Though the legal consequences tied to schedule 2 drugs may not be as dire as those for schedule 1 substances, the penalty for possessing, selling, or distributing these drugs is still very serious.

Schedule 3

These typically have a lower potential for abuse than the drugs in the first two categories. Examples include testosterone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids. Using schedule 3 drugs can result in fines, probation, or a short jail sentence.

Schedule 4

These substances are usually used as sedatives or tranquilizers and carry a low risk of addiction. Drugs like Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Modafinil fall into this category. The penalty for misusing schedule 4 drugs is typically less severe than for more dangerous substances on the higher tiers and may be more focused on rehabilitation than punishment.

Schedule 5

This is the lowest risk level of drugs — often containing limited amounts of narcotics (like codeine) — that have accepted medical uses but rarely lead to addiction or abuse. Users of schedule 5 drugs may receive fines, probation, or educational classes instead of jail time.

What Is a Schedule 2 Drug?

When you hear the phrase "schedule 2 drug," it typically refers to any substance that's classified in the second category of the DEA system. This means they have a high potential for abuse, but may also have accepted medical benefits under certain circumstances. For instance, some schedule 2 medications can provide relief from pain when taken properly. However, their misuse can lead to deadly consequences due to their highly-addictive nature.

Schedule 2 drugs are controlled substances, which means they're tightly regulated and require special permission to obtain or use them. Generally, if someone is caught with a schedule 2 drug without a valid prescription — or is found to be using one in any way other than as intended — they'll face serious legal repercussions.

Common Schedule 2 Drugs

With so many medicinal or recreational substances on the market, each drug schedule covers a long list of substances. However, certain drugs serve as recognizable examples in their category. For example, here's a snapshot of some of the more common schedule 2 drugs:

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Fentanyl

It's important to note that some of these drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine, are illegal for any purpose. Others may be legally obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor. But if someone uses one of these substances in an unauthorized way — or even has it in their possession without the appropriate documentation — they'll face penalties under the law.

Consequences of Using Schedule 2 Drugs

Using drugs is not only dangerous for your health, but it can carry steep legal ramifications. Although each state has its own laws regarding schedule 2 drugs, there are certain general consequences you can expect if you're found with them.

• Severe fines and/or jail time for the possession, use, or distribution of schedule 2 drugs — up to and including life in prison or $8 million in fines, depending on the substance, the particular offense, and whether anyone was hurt or killed by using them.
• Loss of professional licensure if caught with a schedule 2 drug and you’re in a regulated field (e.g., medical, law enforcement).
• Seizure of any property related to the offense (e.g., vehicles or other items used to transport drugs).
• Loss of one’s driver's license for up to two years.
• Disclosure of your offense on employment background checks and applications for certain types of licenses.

Get Answers with Countrywide Testing

Drug misuse or addiction is never a topic to take lightly. But schedule 2 drugs can carry some especially severe consequences for your health and well-being. That's why it's important to understand drug scheduling and how these classifications can impact your life.

When you have questions about drug classification, misuse, and addiction, Countrywide Testing has the answers you need. An online retailer of reliable, on-site drug testing kits, Countrywide offers an array of products for workplace testing, healthcare emergencies, law enforcement purposes, and individuals trying to stay clean after rehab. Our test kits are convenient, affordable, and ship to you quickly. Plus, our lab is accredited by SAMHSA, so you can rest assured your test results are handled in accordance with the highest industry standards.

Want more information on how Countrywide can support drug and medication safety? Just contact our team today.