Florida Drug Schedules
It’s illegal to possess, possess with intent, sell, distribute, or manufacture illegal drugs in Florida. But how exactly are these drugs and their penalties defined? The answer for that can be found in the drug schedules established under the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Under this piece of legislation, the state has categorized controlled substances under five different schedules. These schedules are heavily modeled after the Controlled Substance Act established under the federal government. The penalties for possession, sale, or manufacture of a controlled substance will depend on the schedule of the drug. Drugs with a higher schedule (III to V) tend to have mild to moderate consequences as the substances are not addictive and have little use in the medical field. Lower schedule drugs, however, carry life-changing penalties and are often charged as a felony. To learn more about drug schedules, we highly suggest you refer to the article written below.
Defense Lawyer Explains Drug Schedules in Brooksville, Florida
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a drug-related offense, we urge you to contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A.. Attorney Ashley Aulls of The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. has has practiced law since 1996, He has assisted clients charged with drug possession, possession with intent, drug manufacturing, trafficking, and any other drug-related offense imaginable. With his knowledge, attorney Aulls can assess your charges and determine the best course of action for you. Call The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. today at (352) 593-4115 to set up your first consultation free of charge. The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. accepts clients throughout the greater Brooksville and Hernando County area including Spring Hill, Hernando, Ridge Manor, Homosassa, Inverness, Floral City, Sugarmill Woods, Pine Ridge, Black Diamond, Coleman, Wildwood, and Webster. Information Center:
- How Many Schedules of Controlled Substances Are There?
- Schedule 4 or 5 Drugs in Florida
- Schedule 3 Drugs in Florida
- Schedule 2 Drugs in Florida
- Schedule 1 Drugs in Florida
- Is Marijuana a Schedule I Drug?
- Additional Resources
How Many Schedules of Controlled Substances Are There?
Similar to all other 50 states, Florida has prohibited the usage of certain controlled substances. These substances are identified and categorized under the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Their classifications are known as “drug schedules,” and in Florida there are currently five schedules a substance can be grouped under. These schedules are heavily based off the already pre-established penalty groups under Federal law. How drugs are classified will depend on their usage in the medical field and their risk of chemical dependence. Addictive and high-risk drugs are typically grouped under the lower schedules while the milder to moderate controlled substances are placed in the higher schedules. Substances that carry the harshest penalties for possession, sale, or manufacture are placed under schedule I. A conviction for a schedule I drug offense is always a felony.
What is a Schedule 4 or 5 Drugs in Florida?
The schedules carrying the lightest penalties includes schedule IV and schedule V. These classifications are reserved for drugs that are mild to moderately addictive and have a prevalent presence in the medical field. Schedule IV is mostly comprised of prescription drugs that could cause a chemical dependency if chronically abused. A few examples of schedule IV drugs include:
- Xanax
- Tramadol
- Soma
- Ambien
- Darvon
- Talwin
- Valium
- Darvocet
Schedule V does include some specific drugs and chemicals, but it usually consists of over-the-counter substances mixed with other chemicals. These controlled substances have a pretty low chance of addiction, but it can happen in some cases. They also are regularly used as medicine. The following are some examples of a schedule V drugs:
- Lomotil
- Motofen
- Lyrica
- Cough preparation with less than 200 milligrams of codeine
What is a Schedule 3 Drug in Florida?
Substances categorized under schedule 3 carry heavier penalties than drugs under schedule 4 or 5. They are also commonly used by healthcare professionals. However, they do have a moderate potential for addiction that shouldn’t be trifled with. A few examples of schedule III drugs under Florida law include the following:
- Ketamine
- Anabolic Steroids
- Products with less than 90 milligrams of codeine
- Testosterone
What Is a Schedule 2 Drug in Florida?
You should never take drug charges lightly, but if you’re facing a charge for a schedule II drug—then it’s imperative you take action immediately. The penalties for schedule II drugs can be life changing as these drugs are considered especially dangerous. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for chemical dependency and long-term usage can result in severe side-effects and long-term health issues. Some schedule II drugs are commonly used in medicine, especially for pain management. Listed below are some examples of schedule II drugs in Florida.
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Dexedrine
- Ritalin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Adderall
What is a Schedule 1 Drug in Florida?
The controlled substances with the highest risk of addiction are labeled under schedule I. These drugs can cause a chemical dependency, even when used with medical supervision. They are hardly used in the medical field for that reason. The consequences for a schedule I drug-related crime could put you in prison for not just years, but decades. The following are some examples of schedule I drugs in the stat of Florida.
- Peyote
- Methaqualone
- Heroin
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy)
Is Weed a Schedule I Drug in Florida?
Schedule I drugs carry life-changing penalties that could put you in a state prison. However, there is one exception to this rule. Marijuana, also referred to as cannabis, is classified as a schedule I drug under Florida law. While this is true, recent legislation has passed in Florida that significantly reduced the penalties for marijuana-related crimes. Now, marijuana is the only schedule I drug that won’t result in a felony if you’re in simple possession. Instead, you’ll face a first-degree misdemeanor if you’re found guilty of cannabis possession. That doesn’t mean you can’t be charged with felony marijuana possession under certain circumstances. Having more than 20 grams of marijuana in your actual or constructive possession is a third-degree felony in Florida.
Additional Resources
Drug Schedules in Florida | FL Statutes – Visit the official website for Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes to learn more about the categories for controlled substances. Access the site to learn the definitions for legal terms, which drugs are categorized where, and other important information. Federal Drug Schedules | DEA – Visit the official website for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to read more about federal drug scheduling. Access the site to learn more about which drugs are categorized where in the federal drug schedules, as well as an alphabetical list of all prohibited controlled substances under federal law.
Florida Drug Schedules | Hernando County Drug Defense Lawyer in FL
Have you or someone you know been arrested for a drug-related offense? Then it’s crucial you find legal representation quickly. Ashley Aulls of The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. has years of drug defense experience he can put to the test for your case. He will examine all the facts of the case and use that information to build a formidable defense designed to undermine the prosecution. Call The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. today at (352) 593-4115 to set up your first consultation today.