What characteristic identifies Schedule I drugs?

Schedule I drugs are characterized by having no accepted medical use. This classification means that these substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and are not recognized by the medical community for therapeutic purposes. Because of this lack of accepted medical use, they are strictly regulated and are illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess in most circumstances.

Drugs placed in this category are often viewed as having significant risks associated with their use, and as a result, they are not available for prescription use or legitimate medical applications. Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which have been found to pose a greater risk to public health without any recognized medical benefit.

In contrast, substances that are accepted for medical use or have a low risk of dependence would fall into different schedules. Schedule II drugs, for instance, are recognized for having medical uses but still carry a high potential for abuse, while Schedule IV substances typically indicate lower risks associated with abuse and dependence.