What distinguishes Schedule I controlled substances from others?

Schedule I controlled substances are distinguished by their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use in the United States. This classification is specifically set by the Controlled Substances Act, which designates substances that are considered to have no accepted therapeutic value and carry a significant risk of addiction or dependency.

Because they are deemed unsafe even under medical supervision, Schedule I substances cannot be prescribed or dispensed legally for medical purposes. This places them in a unique category compared to other schedules, like Schedule II, which, while also having a high potential for abuse, are approved for specific medical uses under strict regulations.

Other options refer to different classifications and characteristics of controlled substances. Accepted medical use applies to substances classified in schedules II through V but not to Schedule I. The idea that Schedule I substances are less regulated than Schedule II is incorrect because Schedule I is regarded as the most restricted category. Over-the-counter availability is not applicable to any controlled substances, as these are subject to strict regulatory controls.