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According to the Committee on Substance Abuse (2015) the five schedules are referred to as the followings: Schedule I, Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, and Schedule V. Each known narcotic has been placed in a specific schedule that is measured by the potential for abuse as well as if the narcotic can be used for medical causes. By creating these five schedules, the DEA can focus on their mission. The mission of the DEA (n.d b) is as followings:
The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international …show more content…
The Drug Schedule system for narcotics is one example. With the Drug Schedule system, the DEA uses a set list of narcotics and the penalties that could happen for a violation. Schedule I narcotics carry the heaviest penalty. Schedule I narcotics are known as the more popular narcotics. The most common Schedule I drugs are marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and heroin. The charges that could come with simple possession can potentially start with $1,000 or more fine and up to one year in jail for a first time offender (Yeh, 2015). However, charges can range up to $5,000 and 90 days to three years behind bars for a third time offender (Yeh, 2015). To help keep people from making these dangerous choices, the DEA also educates people about the harm of these dangerous narcotics and the negative side effects of usage and potential