Drug classification schedules in Texas

There are many people in Texas who use drugs for one reason or another. Some of the reasons are for medical purposes and are perfectly legal when taken according to the prescription. However, many other people use various drugs illegally. This could because the drug is never prescribed and illegal to use or it could be a prescription drug that is being used without a valid prescription. If people use drugs illegally, they could face serious consequences if they are caught.

The severity of the consequences for drug crimes depends on a number of different factors, but one of the main factors is the type of drug that was possessed or distributed. Drugs are classified into five different schedules based on their danger level to people. They are ranked I - V with I being the most dangerous.

Schedule I includes drugs that have a high potential for abuse and have no medical use and are not safe to use for medical purposes. The drugs in schedule II also have a high potential for abuse that can result in dependence, but the drugs do have an accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs are similar to Schedule II except the potential for abuse is lower. Schedule IV drugs have medical uses, a lower potential for abuse and would lead to less of a dependence than schedule III. Drugs in schedule V have the lowest potential for abuse and dependence along with accepted medical uses.

The consequences for those caught in Texas with any of the drugs in the five schedules can face severe penalties. However, as one could assume the most severe penalties are for those caught with schedule I and II drugs. These generally result in felonies which can have a very negative impact not only on the person's immediate future, but also their long-term future especially if they are currently in college or plan to attend. There are defenses potentially available though and experienced attorneys may be able to protect one's rights and their futures.

Source: Texas State Legislature, "Health and Safety Code Chapter 481" accessed on July 5, 2017