Opium is categorized as what schedule?

Opium is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification reflects its high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II substances are legally available only through a prescription, and the prescribing regulations are more stringent compared to those for lower schedules.

Drugs in this category include not only opium but also other well-known opioids such as morphine and oxycodone, due to their medicinal benefits alongside their potential for abuse. The control measures in place for Schedule II drugs are designed to prevent misuse while allowing for medical use.

Other schedules, like Schedule I, are reserved for substances that have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse; Schedule III and IV include substances that have progressively lower potential for abuse and may have accepted medical uses. Thus, opium's classification as Schedule II highlights its importance in medicine while acknowledging the risks associated with its use.