Which schedule is cocaine classified under?

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that while cocaine has a legitimate medical use—primarily as a topical anesthetic in certain surgical procedures—its potential for abuse is high. Schedule II drugs are characterized by having a high potential for physical or psychological dependence, which necessitates strict regulations surrounding their prescription, distribution, and use.

The differentiation between schedules is crucial for understanding the legal status and medical application of various substances. Schedule I substances, such as heroin and LSD, are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Scheduled medications such as Schedule III and Schedule IV generally possess lower abuse potential and greater accepted medical use, which places cocaine firmly within the more strictly regulated Schedule II category.