What is the Controlled Substances Act?

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a federal law passed in 1970 that regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain drugs in the United States. This includes substances such as narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, depressants, and other psychoactive substances, all of which are classified as “controlled substances”. Under the CSA, these substances are divided into “schedules” - Schedule I being the most serious (and including drugs such as LSD, heroin, and marijuana), and Schedule V being the least serious (including drugs such as codeine and Valium). The CSA also prohibits the distribution of controlled substances by unlicensed persons, as well as the possession of any controlled substance without a valid prescription. Thus, any individual who violates this Act can be charged with drug crimes and can face substantial fines and/or jail time. In Utah, the CSA is enforced by several state and federal agencies. These agencies include the Utah Department of Health, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes violations of the CSA, including drug trafficking, manufacturing, and distribution. They are also responsible for overseeing the enforcement of the CSA in the state.

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What is the Controlled Substances Act?

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