Controlled Dangerous Substances in Maryland

Maryland follows federal rules regarding the classifications of controlled dangerous substances. These are substances considered to be dangerous by the federal government. They are listed by the FDA and they are split by schedules. Scheduling means the drug is on a list and that list goes from most serious to least serious, based on their classifications. Understanding drug-related offenses and the Maryland drug schedule can be critical when building a defense case.

If someone is facing drug charges, their penalties and how their case will be handled will be based on which type of drug they had in their possession. Since the federal government categorizes controlled dangerous substances, there are different rules and regulations in place depending on which classification the drug falls under. If you are facing drug charges, you will want to consult a drug lawyer who can build a strong defense case based on the evidence and federal policies.


The definition of controlled dangerous substances are drugs deemed a substance that is dangerous to an individual. It is not that it differs. Maryland sticks to the federal list and the complete list of schedules is always published. It is under the code of federal regulation, specifically it Title 21. The substances are placed there by the FDA after review.

For Maryland’s purposes, marijuana is separate. Not that it is legalized it in any way, but it is non-criminal to possess less than 10 grams. There are other licensing issues that come up in Maryland, like people that get a medical exemption, growers, and proper sales. There are things that are going to have to make them step away from the federal guidelines.

Drug Schedule

Maryland sticks exactly to the federal drug schedule as do most states with regards to controlled dangerous substances. Consider the way that the federal government talks about substances for a Schedule I; they call these substances that have no currently accepted medical use in the United States. These substances lack an accepted safety for use under medical supervision and they have a high potential for abuse. Some of these drugs include heroin, LSD, peyote, meth, and ecstasy.

It is widely recognized by almost everyone across the board but for the doctors who are paid off by the government that marijuana has exceptional medicinal values. It has to be taken seriously regardless of personal positions because it is being treated as a Schedule I drug, which is the highest level. The government is essentially telling people that all the studies are wrong and this is potentially abusive and unacceptable in all levels because it is unsafe.

Schedule I

Schedule I is a drug that has no accepted medical use. It lacks safety. Even under medical supervision, it is deemed unsafe with a high potential for abuse. Heroin is by far the most well-known one along with peyote and meth. Ecstasy, LSD, and marijuana are listed as Schedule I.

Schedule II

Schedule II are substances that have a high potential for abuse but have been noted to lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. They are severe, like oxy and fentanyl. These are some drugs like Demerol, diluted dolophine, opium, morphine, and codeine They are drugs that a person sometimes gets prescribed. Schedule II has a tendency to be with people that abuse prescription drugs. They also have IIN, which are stimulants. Amphetamines and methamphetamines are in there. Ritalin is actually a well-known name as well as Adderall and they are both under Schedule IIN stimulants.

Schedule III

Schedule III steps it down a little bit. For those, there is a potential for abuse, but it is less than a Schedule I or II and it could lead to moderate or low physical dependence or a high psychological dependence. Physically, the person would have a low dependency, but the person’s psychological dependence would be high. These include narcotics and combinations of narcotics like Vicodin with Tylenol, codeine, and suboxone. Suboxone is used to treat people with heroin dependencies. There are the IIINs, which are the non-narcotics. Ketamine is probably the most popular name along with anabolic steroids and testosterone.

Schedule IV

Schedule IV is low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III. For a low potential for abuse: Xanax, Soma, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan. Prescribed medications that are used to treat depression and anxiety.

Schedule V

Schedule V is where there is low potential for abuse as related to Schedule IV. The definition says that it consists primarily of the preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics, where a person gets something and it has a little bit codeine in it. These medications include Robitussin and Senna-Gen. Those are cough medicines that people abuse by drinking too much.

For the most part, the biggest concern as a defense attorney lies with the bigger names. There are not many cases where Xanax, Soma, and Klonopin are involved, although they do appear in DUI cases where a person is under the influence of a drug. It is a lot to focus in on because attorneys need to pay attention to the bits and pieces of working controlled dangerous substances into cases that are not just drug-related, but also traffic related. They are starting to hit them a little bit harder, as well.


If it is a high volume of drug possession, another charge can come in, as well. Prosecutors are looking at the quantity of drugs. There is a mandatory minimum sentencing of five years and it goes up from there. They look at the grams that the person possessed. If the person has anything that shows the person is possessing and dealing, like drugs, charts, a lot of loose cash, heat sealers, and baggies, there are enhancements all over the place. If the person has gotten into this system two or three times, the third offense comes with mandatory minimums, as well.

Contacting a Drug Attorney

Drug charges are serious in Maryland and can have long-term impacts. If someone is facing drug charges, they will need an attorney who understands the federal classification of CDS. A lawyer will have the ability to build a strong defense case and represent their client

If you are looking at 25 plus years for a drug charge, you should contact a Maryland drug lawyer immediately. Understand your rights and consult with an attorney. This can be a complicated process and unless you have extensive knowledge of the legal system and controlled dangerous substances, it would be beneficial to consult with an experienced lawyer.