Which category includes fentanyl and some stimulants?

• A. Schedule II
• B. Schedule I
• C. Schedule III
• D. Marijuana Tax Act of 1937

Answer: (A)

The system for classifying drugs based on medical use and potential for abuse places fentanyl among Schedule II because it has legitimate medical uses (as a powerful analgesic) but a high risk of abuse and dependence. Some stimulants, such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate, also have accepted medical uses (e.g., for ADHD or narcolepsy) and carry a high abuse potential, so they are placed in Schedule II as well. This category distinguishes drugs that are dangerous and tightly controlled but still approved for medical use from those with no accepted medical use (Schedule I) or from those with lower abuse potential (Schedule III). The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 is an old law and not a current scheduling category.