What defines a “controlled substance” under federal law?

A controlled substance under federal law is defined as a drug or chemical that is regulated by the government due to its potential for abuse, dependency, or harm. This regulation falls under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which classifies these substances into various schedules based on their accepted medical use and potential for abuse. Schedule I substances, for example, have a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use, while lower schedules include drugs with accepted medicinal benefits but still carry risks of abuse.

The importance of this definition lies in the need for careful monitoring and control of substances that could potentially be harmful if misused. Regulation ensures that these substances are prescribed and dispensed only under strict guidelines, aiming to reduce the risk of addiction and illicit use.

The other options do not align with the federal definition of a controlled substance. Freely available drugs do not fall under regulation, clinical research drugs are often unapproved substances still undergoing testing, and over-the-counter medications are not classified as controlled substances since they do not require a prescription and typically have a lower risk of misuse. Thus, the definition that encompasses the regulation by the government accurately captures what constitutes a controlled substance.