Arkansas Pharmacy Laws and Regulations Practice Exam

The scheduling of controlled substances is primarily determined by the substance's medical use and potential for abuse. This process is guided by the Controlled Substances Act, which classifies drugs into different schedules (I through V) based on their medicinal value, the likelihood of dependence or abuse, and safety considerations.

Substances that are placed in Schedule I are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, whereas Schedule II through V drugs have recognized medical uses and varying levels of abuse potential. This classification system helps regulate prescriptions, distribution, and use of these substances to ensure public safety while allowing legitimate medical applications.

Using the medical use and potential for abuse criteria allows for a scientifically informed approach that weighs the benefits of a substance in treating health conditions against the risks associated with misuse and dependence. Hence, this option accurately reflects the established framework for scheduling controlled substances.