Controlled Substance Schedules in Iowa

In Iowa, you can be arrested, tried and convicted for possession of an illegal substance, whether you have the intent to sell or not. You can be convicted of felony distribution or intent to distribute even if you don’t sell, but simply give or intend to give the drugs to another person.

The illegal substances are considered Controlled Dangerous Substances, or CDS’s, in Iowa. CDS’s are sorted into five schedules, which determines the potency of the substance, as well as the severity of the crime if you are arrested for possession. Learn more about the five schedules of controlled substances in Iowa:

Schedule I

Schedule I controlled substances are considered highly addictive or to have a high potential for abuse. According to the government, these substances have no accepted medicinal uses in the United States. Schedule I substances are sorted into the following categories:

  • Opiates
  • Opium Derivatives
  • Hallucinogenic Substances
  • Depressants
  • Stimulants

For a full list of Schedule I controlled substances in Iowa, click here.

Schedule II

Like Schedule I substances, Schedule II substances have a high potential for addiction and abuse. Comparatively, Schedule II substances can have medical uses, which usually are restricted severely. Additionally, abuse of Schedule II substances may lead to severe psychic or physical dependence.

The following substances are included in Schedule II:

  • Opiates
  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Immediate precursors
  • Hallucinogenic substances

For a full list of Schedule II controlled substances in Iowa, click here.

Schedule III

Schedule III substances still are considered to have the potential for addiction or abuse. However the potential for abuse is lower than that of Schedule I or II substances. Substances in Schedule III have known medical uses in the United States and abuse can lead to moderate physical or high psychological dependence.

Schedule III substances include:

  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Small amounts of
    • Codeine
    • Dihydrocodeine
    • Ethylmorphine
    • Opium
    • Morphine
  • Anabolic steroids

For a full list of Schedule III controlled substances in Iowa, click here.

Schedule IV

Schedule IV substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III, but still can cause addiction, physical dependency, or psychological dependency. Like substances in Schedule II and III, Schedule IV substances have accepted medical uses in the United States.

Schedule IV substances may include:

  • Narcotic drugs
  • Depressants
  • Fenfluramine
  • Lorcaserin
  • Stimulants

For a full list of Schedule IV controlled substances in Iowa, click here.

Schedule V

Substances in Schedule V are very similar to those in Schedule IV, however the potential for abuse and physical or psychological dependency  is less that of those in Schedule IV.

Schedule V controlled substances can be categorized as:

  • Narcotic drugs containing nonnarcotic active medicinal ingredients
  • Stimulants
  • Precursors to amphetamine and methamphetamine
  • Depressants

For a full list of Schedule V controlled substances in Iowa, click here.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for possession of a controlled substance, contact Adam Pollack for a free consultation.

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