What are the Texas health and safety code classifications, and why should I care about them?
Well, Texas traditionally has had more strict policies regarding drugs and controlled substances, and because of this, their laws tend to reflect that strict complexity. People often then get confused when it comes to these critical laws because they are complex.
Today we’ve laid out parts of the Texas Health and Safety Code Classification to help provide useful information on these laws, which may, in turn, help those who may be struggling with an illegal substance-related charge.
Schedules
Schedules are essentially lists of controlled substances that states have defining what drugs are the most dangerous and addictive and the least hazardous and addictive. Texas’s schedules range from I - V, I being the most addictive and V being the least addictive.
Schedule I — drugs with a high abuse risk. These drugs have no safe, accepted medical use in the United States. Some examples are heroin, marijuana, LSD, PCP, and crack cocaine.
Schedule II — drugs with a high abuse risk, but also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. These drugs can cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II drugs include certain narcotic, stimulant, and depressant drugs. Some examples are morphine, cocaine, oxycodone, methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine.
Schedule III, IV, or V — These drugs also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. Schedule III, IV, or V drugs include those containing smaller amounts of certain narcotic and non-narcotic drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, and non-narcotic analgesics. Some examples are acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol®), paregoric, diazepam (Valium®), alprazolam, propoxyphene, and pentazocine.
Source: Texas State Board of Pharmacy
You can find more information regarding drug schedules at the Texas Department Of State Health Services.
If you would like to learn more about the entire Texas Health and Safety Code Classifications, you can read this public document provided by the Texas state government.
If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you will need a strong and dependable lawyer to help. Here at Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we can help you by setting up a defense to fight for your rights and freedom. Call (512) 359-3743 today to get started!