The Classification of Drugs According to the Law in Virginia
The law enforcement authorities have classified the drugs into 5 categories depending upon their nature:
- Schedule 1
- Schedule 2
- Schedule 3
- Schedule 4
- Schedule 5
- Schedule 6
How are the Drugs Classified as per the Law in Virginia?
- Schedule 1
Drugs that are classified under the category Schedule 1 pose the highest risk of dependence and are not used for medical purposes. Schedule 1 consists of the following drugs:
- Heroine
- LSD
- Ecstasy
- Schedule 2
Drugs classified under Schedule 2 are less addictive than schedule 1 drugs, but still, pose a huge threat to an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. Common examples of Schedule 2 drugs include:
- Cocaine
- Meth
- Adderall
- Schedule 3
Schedule 3 includes hard as well as prescription drugs. They aren’t as harmful as the above-mentioned categories but have the potential to be abused. Schedule 3 consists of the following drugs:
- Codeine
- Anabolic Steroids – Bodybuilding drugs
- Tylenol
- Schedule 4
Schedule 4 includes prescription drugs that have the potential of becoming an addiction with continuous usage. Though these can have a negative impact on an individual’s health, they do not have any life-threatening consequences. Schedule 4 consists of the following drugs:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Restoril
- Schedule 5 and 6
These drugs have the least amount of effect on an individual’s health and have the lowest independence rate. These include prescription drugs such as cough syrups and other medicines. Common examples of Schedule 5 drugs include:
- Phenergan
- Robitussin AC
- Parepectolin
How are the Drug Offenses Classified?
According to the law of Virginia, drug offenses can be categorized into 5 categories:
- Possession of the Drug
- Manufacturing of the Drug
- Distribution of the Drug
- Selling and Trafficking of the Drug
If an individual is found in possession of illegal drugs, he or she will be penalized according to the nature of the drug in their possession. The punishment is inflicted depending on the type of drug involved.
Drug Law Code Violations:
If an individual is found possessing an illegal drug, he or she will have to face the following penalties:
- If an individual possesses a Schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance, they will be charged for Class 5 Felony – 1-10 years in jail and a fine of around 2500 dollars (Section 18.2 – 10)
- If an individual possesses a Schedule 3 controlled substance– Class 1 Misdemeanor – 12 months in jail and a fine of around 2500 dollars. (Section 18.2 – 11)
- If an individual possesses a Schedule 4 controlled substance – Class 2 Misdemeanor – 6 months in jail and a fine of up to 1000 dollars (Section 28.2 – 11
- If an individual possesses a Schedule 5controlled substance – Class 3 misdemeanor and a fine of up to 500 dollars (Section 18.2 – 11)
- If an individual possesses a Schedule 6 controlled substance – Class 4 misdemeanor and a fine of up to 250 dollars (Section 18.2 – 11)