Not all drugs in Ohio are classified the same. The section 3719.41 of the Ohio Revised Code classifies drugs, or controlled substances, into schedules, from Schedule I to Schedule V. The schedules range from very addicting substances with more severe penalties for drug offenses (Schedule I) to the least addictive substances with less severe penalties for offenses involving drugs (Schedule V).

·         Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no known or accepted medical use in the United States. Some examples include heroin, marijuana and cathinone.

·         Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but have known or accepted medical purposes in the United States. Examples include opium, hydrocodone, amphetamines, meth and PCP.

·         Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs, and have accepted medical uses in the United States. Common examples include LSD and pentobarbital.

·         Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and are accepted for medical use in the United States. Some examples include Xanax and Valium.

·         Schedule V drugs have the least potential for abuse and are commonly used for medical purposes in the United States. Examples in this schedule include ephedrine, if not listed in another schedule, and small amounts of narcotic preparation medications.

Drug offenses are broken down into various offenses. These offenses have different levels of severity based on the Schedule. Here are some of the most common drug offenses in Ohio:

·         Trafficking in Drugs: this offense is defined as the sale, shipment, transportation, distribution or delivery of any controlled substance. This offense can be a felony of the fifth, fourth, third, second or first degree, depending on the type and amount of drug and whether the offense occurred near minors or school property. If the offense is a certain controlled substance in Schedule I or II, it is Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs.

·         Possession of Controlled Substances: Any person who knowingly obtains, possesses or uses a controlled substance can be charged with this offense. This offense can be a misdemeanor of the first degree or felony of the fifth, fourth, third, second or first degree, depending on the type and amount of drug and whether the offense occurred near minors or school property. If the offense is a certain controlled substance in Schedule I or II, it is Aggravated Possession of Drugs.

For more information on drug crimes in Ohio, please visit http://www.criminalattorneycolumbus.com/CriminalDefense/DrugCrimes.aspx.