What type of substances does the term "Schedule I" classify?

Schedule I substances are classified as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. This classification reflects concerns about their addictive qualities and the potential for severe adverse effects. Substances placed in this category are considered to pose a significant risk to public health, which is why they are strictly regulated under the Controlled Substances Act.

The designation indicates that there are no legitimate medicinal applications recognized by the federal government, meaning that doctors cannot prescribe these substances for therapeutic purposes. Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and cannabis (though this varies by state law regarding its medical use).

By contrast, other classifications, such as those with accepted medical uses or lower potential for abuse, do not share the same level of control and restriction, highlighting the significance of Schedule I status in terms of regulatory oversight and public health policy.