How many schedules are controlled substances classified into by federal law?

Federal law classifies controlled substances into five distinct schedules. This classification is based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. Schedule I substances are considered to have the highest potential for abuse, with no accepted medical use, while Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse and are widely used for medical purposes. Each schedule has specific regulations governing the manufacturing, distribution, and prescription of these substances. Thus, the classification into five schedules is critical for controlling the use and distribution of potentially dangerous drugs while allowing access for those with legitimate medical needs.