What are the scheduled classifications of controlled substances based on?

The scheduled classifications of controlled substances are determined by their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. This classification system, established by the Controlled Substances Act, categorizes drugs into schedules ranging from I to V. Schedule I substances are deemed to have a high potential for abuse and are not accepted for medical use, while Schedule V drugs have a lower potential for abuse and are widely accepted for medical use.

The assessment includes factors such as how likely a substance is to be misused, whether there is any accepted medical application, and its relative safety concerning dependency or addiction. As such, this structured approach is critical for regulating and controlling substances that might pose a risk to public health and safety, ensuring that medications are used responsibly.

Other options pertain to factors that do not inform the scheduling system. The length of the medication, market demand, and packaging does not correspond to the criteria used to establish the schedules, highlighting the importance of understanding the role that potential abuse and medical acceptance play in this classification.