List of Controlled Dangerous Substances – Drugs by Schedule Classification

About Federal and State Drug Classifications (Schedules)

In New Jersey drug law, “CDS” in an acronym for “Controlled Dangerous Substance.” There are five “Schedules” (categories) of CDS in New Jersey.  Most drugs are schedule under federal law, but in some cases drugs may be schedule under state law.  For example, New Jersey has banned six drugs used in making “bath salts” even though at this time these six drugs are not scheduled under federal law.

Some drugs are classified under more than one schedule category based on the strength of the drug and whether or not it is mixed with other products.

Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances

The substance has high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, or it lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision. (N.J.S.A. 24:21-5)

Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances

The substance has a high potential for abuse and has currently accepted medical use in the United States with severe restrictions. In addition, abuse of a Schedule II C.D.S. may lead to psychic or physical dependence. (N.J.S.A.24:21-6)

Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substances

The substance has a potential for abuse less than the substances listed in Schedule I and II and has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. In addition, abuse of a Schedule III C.D.S. may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. ( N.J.S.A. 24:21-7)

Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substances

The substance has low potential for abuse relative to the substances listed in Schedule III and has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. In addition, abuse of a Schedule IV C.D.S. may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances listed in Schedule III. (N.J.S.A. 24:21-8)

Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substances

Typically includes other higher schedule drugs in lower doses.  Schedule V substances have low potential for abuse relative to the substances listed in Schedule IV and has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. In addition, abuse of a Schedule V C.D.S. may cause limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances listed in Schedule IV. (N.J.S.A. 24-21-8.1)

Information about accountability and prescription laws for doctors prescribing or storing CDS can be found at:  New Jersey Department of law and Public Safety.