Under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), drugs are classified into distinct categories or “Schedules” depending on their abuse rate, dependency potential, and drug’s acceptable medical use.
Schedule III drugs fall below Schedule I drugs, which have no currently accepted medical use, and Schedule II drugs, which have a high risk of physical dependence. In other words, this means these substances have a lower risk of abuse compared to Schedule II drugs but still more so than Schedule IV and V drugs.
If you are facing drug-related charges involving Schedule III drugs, the Tampa drug crime lawyers at Buda Law can help. Contact us online or by phone at (813) 322-2832 to discuss your legal options today.
What are Schedule 3 Drugs?
Schedule III drugs are controlled substances that have a moderate to low potential for abuse compared to higher-classified drugs. Unlike Schedule I substances, which have no recognized medical benefit, a Schedule III drug’s accepted medical use allows it to be legally prescribed for certain conditions.
However, these drugs still have some potential for abuse, meaning misuse can lead to dependence, though the risk is lower than that of Schedule I or II drugs. Some of the more common drugs in this category include anabolic steroids, ketamine, and certain prescription pain relievers.
Examples of Schedule 3 Drugs
Examples of Schedule III drugs include:
- Anabolic Steroids (e.g., Testosterone, Oxandrolone) – Used for hormone replacement therapy or to treat muscle-wasting conditions but often misused in sports and bodybuilding for performance enhancement.
- Ketamine – A dissociative anesthetic used in medical and veterinary settings, sometimes misused recreationally.
- Buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone, Subutex) – A medication used to treat opioid addiction.
- Codeine Combinations (e.g., Tylenol with Codeine) – Prescription pain relievers containing codeine mixed with acetaminophen or aspirin can fall under this classification due to their mild narcotic properties.
- Dronabinol (e.g., Marinol) – A synthetic THC medication prescribed to treat nausea and appetite loss in cancer and AIDS patients.
- Phendimetrazine – A stimulant used as a prescription weight-loss medication.
- Benzphetamine (e.g., Didrex) – A weight-loss drug that acts as an appetite suppressant.
Are Schedule 3 Drugs Legal?
Schedule III drugs are controlled substances with a currently accepted medical use, meaning they can be legally prescribed by a doctor. However, possession, distribution, or misuse without a valid prescription can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail or prison time.
How are Schedule 3 Drugs Regulated?
Schedule III drugs are controlled substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversee their classification, distribution, and prescription guidelines. Below are the key regulations governing Schedule III drugs:
1. Prescription Requirements
- Schedule III drugs require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- They cannot be purchased over the counter and must be obtained through a pharmacy.
- Prescriptions can only be refilled up to five times within six months, after which a new prescription is required.
- They cannot be transferred between pharmacies more than once without a new prescription.
2. Manufacturing and Distribution Controls
- Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies must have DEA registration to manufacture, dispense, or distribute Schedule III drugs.
- Strict record-keeping and inventory tracking are required to monitor the supply and prevent the drug’s abuse or diversion.
3. Storage and Security Measures
- Pharmacies and medical facilities must store Schedule III drugs securely to prevent theft or unauthorized access.
- Healthcare providers and pharmacists are responsible for ensuring drugs are dispensed only for their intended medical purposes.
Can Federal Employees Use Schedule 3 Drugs?
Yes, federal employees can use Schedule III drugs if they have a valid prescription, but their use is subject to workplace policies and federal drug testing regulations. Employees in safety-sensitive positions may need to report prescription use, especially if the medication could cause impairment.
If a Schedule III drug appears on a drug test, the employee must provide proof of a valid prescription. Misuse or unauthorized use can result in termination, legal consequences, or loss of security clearance.
Schedule 3 Drug Penalties in Florida
Florida imposes strict penalties for the possession, distribution, or trafficking of Schedule III substances, with the severity of charges depending on the amount in possession. Just like other controlled substances, misuse or illegal distribution can result in fines, probation, or even jail time.
What is the Punishment for Possession of a Schedule 3 Drug in Florida?
Possession of a Schedule III drug without a valid prescription is considered a third-degree felony in Florida. The penalties can be severe and may include:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to 5 years of probation
- Mandatory drug counseling
If you’re facing charges for possessing a Schedule 3 substance in Florida, a Tampa drug possession attorney at Buda Law can help defend your future and your freedom.
What is the Punishment for Distribution or Trafficking of a Schedule 3 Drug in Florida?
Distributing or trafficking Schedule III substances is prosecuted as a serious felony offense, with penalties based on the amount of the drug involved. Penalties can include:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Fines up to $50,000
- Mandatory minimum sentences, depending on the quantity
Law enforcement aggressively prosecutes drug distribution and trafficking, and penalties increase if the crime occurs near schools, parks, or public facilities. If you or a loved one is facing charges, securing strong drug trafficking defense in Tampa is crucial to fighting for the best possible outcome.
Schedule 3 Drugs List
Many drugs falling under Schedule 3 have legitimate medical uses, such as pain relief, weight loss, or muscle growth, but they are also regulated due to their potential for misuse. Here is the drug schedule list for these substances:
- Depressants and stimulants
- Any drug that contains any amount of a barbiturate or a barbiturate-based compound, including thiobarbituric acid or its chemical variations (includes butabarbital and butalbital, which are often used as sedatives or to treat conditions like headaches and insomnia)
- Benzphetamine
- Buprenorphine
- Chlorhexadol
- Chlorphentermine
- Clortermine
- Embutramide
- Lysergic acid
- Lysergic acid amide
- Methyprylon
- Perampanel
- Phendimetrazine
- Sulfondiethylmethane
- Sulfonethylmethane
- Sulfonmethane
- Tiletamine
- Zolazepam
- Nalorphine
- Substances, mixtures, or medications that contain small amounts of the following controlled drugs or their chemical variations:
- Codeine (more than 1.8 grams per 100 milliliters or 90 milligrams per dosage unit)
- Hydrocodone (more than 300 milligrams per 100 milliliters or 15 milligrams per dosage unit)
- Dihydrocodeine (more than 1.8 grams per 100 milliliters or 90 milligrams per dose)
- Ethylmorphine (more than 300 milligrams per 100 milliliters or 15 milligrams per dose)
- Morphine (more than 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters or 100 grams)
- Anabolic steroids
- Any drug or hormone similar to testosterone that helps increase muscle growth (does not include estrogen, progestins, or corticosteroids)
- Androsterone / androsterone acetate
- Boldenone / boldenone acetate / boldenone benzoate / boldenone undecylenate
- Chlorotestosterone (Clostebol)
- Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone
- Dihydrotestosterone (Stanolone)
- Drostanolone
- Ethylestrenol
- Fluoxymesterone
- Formebulone (Formebolone)
- Mesterolone
- Methandrostenolone (Methandienone)
- Methandranone
- Methandriol
- Methenolone
- Methyltestosterone
- Mibolerone
- Nortestosterone (Nandrolone) / nortestosterone decanoate / nortestosterone phenylpropionate / nortestosterone propionate
- Norethandrolone
- Oxandrolone
- Oxymesterone
- Oxymetholone
- Stanozolol
- Testolactone
- Testosterone / testosterone acetate / testosterone benzoate / testosterone cypionate / testosterone decanoate / testosterone enanthate / testosterone isocaproate / testosterone oleate / testosterone phenylpropionate / testosterone propionate / testosterone undecanoate
- Trenbolone / trenbolone acetate
- Ketamine
- Dronabinol (synthetic THC)
- Any drug product containing gamma-hydroxybutyric acid
You can find the comprehensive listings for this schedule (and the other drug schedules) under Florida Statutes, Section 893.03.
Other Drug Schedules
Schedule I drugs are considered dangerous drugs with a high potential for abuse and severe psychological or physical dependence. This includes heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ecstasy, psilocybin, and more.
Schedule II drugs also have a high potential for abuse and physical and psychological dependence but may be used for medical treatments under strict regulations. Examples of schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and methadone.
Schedule IV drugs have lower abuse potential than Schedule III. Examples of Schedule IV drugs include certain narcotics and sedatives like alprazolam and diazepam.
Schedule V drugs have the lowest abuse and dependency potential but may contain certain chemicals that could be dangerous in large amounts, such as cough preparations with codeine.
Facing Drug Crime Charges in Florida? Call Andrew Buda at Buda Law ASAP
Being charged with a crime involving controlled substances can have serious legal consequences, potentially leading to fines, probation, or even jail time. Whether your case involves Schedule I drugs, which carry the harshest penalties, or Schedule V drugs, which are considered lower risk, any drug-related offense can impact your future.
Even possessing limited quantities of Schedule III substances without a valid prescription can result in serious legal trouble. If you are facing drug charges in Florida, you need an experienced attorney like Andrew Buda on your side.
At Buda Law, we are ready to fight for your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. Call (813) 322-2832 or reach out online today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Tampa criminal attorney on our team.