Which of the following is a criterion for the inclusion into Schedule III?

The criterion for inclusion in Schedule III substances is that they must have an accepted medical use in the United States. This means that the substance is recognized and approved for medical treatment under federal law, allowing for its prescription and use by healthcare professionals.

While Schedule III substances can possess the potential for abuse, along with other factors related to dependence, the defining characteristic is their medical acceptance. This allows physicians to prescribe these medications for specific therapeutic purposes while ensuring that they are monitored due to their potential for misuse.

The criteria regarding potential for abuse and dependence apply, but they do not disqualify a substance from being classified under Schedule III, as long as an accepted medical use is established. The presence of medical use alongside controlled characteristics makes these drugs suitable for inclusion in this schedule, striking a balance between accessibility for patients and regulation to prevent misuse.