How is the potential for abuse defined for substances in Schedule III?

In the context of the scheduling of controlled substances, substances classified under Schedule III are characterized by a moderate potential for abuse relative to those in higher schedules, such as Schedule I and II. This moderate potential for abuse means that these substances can lead to physical or psychological dependence, but not to the same degree as those with higher abuse potential.

Schedule III substances are often seen as less dangerous, which is why they are more accessible than their Schedule I and II counterparts. This classification allows for medical use while ensuring some level of regulation to minimize the risk of misuse. The distinction of “low potential for abuse” in this schedule reflects that while they are not devoid of risk, they generally pose a lesser concern in terms of dependency compared to substances classified in schedules with higher potential.