Which of the following is an example of a Schedule I drug?

• A. Fentanyl
• B. Oxycodone
• C. Marijuana
• D. Methadone

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how drugs are scheduled under federal law and what defines Schedule I. Schedule I substances are considered to have the highest potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Marijuana fits this definition federally, even though many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. The federal stance remains that marijuana does not have an accepted medical use and safety protocols under medical supervision are not established. In contrast, the other drugs listed—fentanyl, oxycodone, and methadone—are recognized as having medical uses in the United States, and they are classified as Schedule II, which means they have a high potential for abuse but are allowed for medical use with restrictions. This distinction is why marijuana is the correct example of a Schedule I drug.