What type of drug is heroin classified as?

Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug because it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. Schedule I substances are considered the most dangerous in terms of their potential for addiction and are subject to strict regulations. This classification is established by the Controlled Substances Act, which governs the legal status of various drugs.

In contrast, Schedule II drugs, while also having a high potential for abuse, are recognized for some medical uses under severe restrictions. Schedule III and Schedule IV substances have lower potential for abuse and are considered to have accepted medical uses, which places them in a different category entirely. Understanding these classifications is important for recognizing the legal and medical implications associated with various drugs, especially in law enforcement and public health contexts.