Which of the following statements correctly describes Schedule II drugs?

• A. Schedule II drugs have high abuse potential but are approved for medical use
• B. Schedule II drugs have high abuse potential and are not approved for medical use
• C. Schedule II drugs have low abuse potential but are approved for medical use
• D. Schedule II drugs are not scheduled and have no regulatory controls

Answer: (A)

Schedule II drugs are substances with a high potential for abuse that also have an accepted medical use in the United States, but they are subject to strict regulatory controls. This means they can be prescribed and used medically, but their use is tightly limited because of the risk of dependence and misuse. That combination—high abuse potential plus established medical utility with tight restrictions—defines Schedule II. The other statements don’t fit: substances with no medical use belong to the no-use category, and drugs described as having low abuse potential don’t match Schedule II, which is known for high abuse risk. Additionally, not being scheduled or having no regulatory controls would ignore the federal control system that governs these substances. Examples include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate, all of which illustrate medical use under strict supervision due to their abuse potential.