North Carolina drug laws can be complicated. While many controlled substances are illegal under federal law, individual states like North Carolina also have regulations. These regulations spell out how different types of substances are handled legally.
In general, North Carolina follows the federal government’s lead in classifying drugs. The government uses a scheduling system to denote how serious each type of drug is. The drugs considered a danger to a person’s health and wellbeing fall under Schedule I, while those with a medical use and a low probability for abuse are in Schedule V.
Schedule I drugs carry the most severe penalties, so you should know what these substances are and what kind of legal jeopardy a person can be in if found in possession of these substances in North Carolina.
Schedule I Controlled Substances in North Carolina
Many drugs are classified under Schedule I, so it can be easy to become baffled by which substances are on it and which are not. Here are the drugs most commonly found on Schedule I:
LSD
LSD, also known by its chemical name of lysergic acid diethylamide, is a psychedelic drug. It has no medical purpose according to the federal government, and it is considered dangerous to those who use it. That is why it is on Schedule I.
Heroin
Heroin is highly addictive and dangerous compound derived from the poppy flower. When a person uses it, they risk death through respiratory failure if they take even a little too much. This danger, combined with its risk of abuse, is why it’s on Schedule I.
Marijuana
Although marijuana has been legalized recreationally and medically in many states, it remains an illegal Schedule I substance in North Carolina and under federal guidelines. This is perhaps the Schedule I drug most commonly seen in North Carolina drug crime cases due to social acceptance and ease of purchase in other states.
Peyote
Derived from a cactus, this psychedelic substance is found on Schedule I since it is deemed to have no legitimate medical use.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy (which you may also see listed under its chemical name of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or street name molly) creates hallucinations and a sense of euphoria in users. Under the drug schedule, it’s not seen as having any medical benefit and has a high risk of abuse.
Methaqualone
You probably will recognize this drug under its more common name: quaalude. It has a hypnotic effect on users and is a sedative. However, it is not used in the medical community to treat anything, and it is quite addictive, hence its spot on Schedule I.
Those found in possession of the drugs on Schedule I face severe penalties, including time in jail and fines. How serious the trouble is depends on the amount of the controlled substance found in your possession. However, even a first offense with Schedule I drugs is considered a felony and can lead to prison.
If you’ve been accused of a crime involving a drug from Schedule I, you need an experienced attorney to represent you and help you formulate a solid defense.
