Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was enacted into law by the Congress of the United States as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. It can be found in amended form at 21 U.S.C. § 801 et. seq. (Chapter 13). This statute is the legal basis by which the manufacture, importation, possession, and distribution of certain drugs are regulated by the federal government of the United States. The Act also served as national implementing legislation for the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Related Topics:
Congress of the United States - 1970 - U.S.C. - United States - Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

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The legislation created five Schedules (classifications), with varying qualifications for a drug to be included in each. Two federal departments, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (which includes the Food and Drug Administration) determine which drugs are added or removed from the various schedules; though the statute passed by Congress created the initial listing. Classification decisions are required to be made on the criteria of potential for abuse, accepted medical use in the United States, and potential for addiction.

Related Topics:
Department of Justice - Department of Health and Human Services - Food and Drug Administration

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The Department of Justice is also the executive agency in charge of federal law enforcement (i.e. it is the federal police force). State governments also regulate certain drugs.

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