2.4.1
Legal Drugs versus Illegal/Illicit Drugs
Legal drugs are those that can be manufactured or produced, distributed, and used in the United States. Now, that is NOT to say that these products are not regulated in any way. They just serve some medicinal purpose making these medications beneficial to certain populations. Illegal or illicit drugs (we will use those terms interchangeably going forward) have absolutely no beneficial use to anybody health wise. Consequently, it is against the law to manufacture, produce, and/or distribute any of those products.
It is important to note that some drugs fall into a gray area. The one that should come to mind is marijuana – cannabis. Many states have legalized this substance, but it is still illegal under Federal law. Be aware that “legal” does not mean “harmless.” There is still a lot to learn about marijuana, and you can find both positive and negative information about its use and long term effects.
What about here in Alabama?
As of 2024, it is still illegal to possess and use marijuana in Alabama unless it is for approved medicinal purposes: an individual has a terminal illness, an individual suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or an individual suffers from chronic pain. Recreational use or possession for reasons other than what you just read about are both still illegal, although it seems like laws are constantly changing in many states throughout the country. What’s the best rule of thumb? Don’t use marijuana without official authorization from the State. And this is not just about smoking pot. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance that is found in cannabis; it has positive medicinal effects but does not contain enough THC (CBD must contain < 0.03% THC) to cause an individual to become impaired. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinol that activates the parts of the brain that control pleasure and cause a feeling of euphoria. In slang terms, that’s what is in marijuana that gets you high. Both CBD and THC can be found in oils, capsules, and edibles among other things. Remember, use or possession of these products is illegal for most people. Also note that the effects of marijuana are not necessarily immediate; so, you might feel perfectly fine after consuming some form of marijuana and get the impression that it’s no problem for you to drive. Then, once you set your vehicle in motion, the effects take hold and begin to impact your driving and not for the better. And one more thing to note: Just because you may be able to purchase marijuana, CBD, or even THC in a neighboring state does NOT make it legal when you return to Alabama.
https://www.findlaw.com/state/alabama-law/alabama-marijuana-laws.html
https://designforrecovery.com/addiction/difference-between-licit-and-illicit-drugs
Classes/Schedules of Drugs
Drugs and items used to make drugs are put into 5 distinct Schedules (categories). The main determining factors for what schedule a drug is placed into are its capacity to provide medical benefits (based on standard medical practices) and its susceptibility to causing abuse or dependency (addiction). Schedule I drugs are those that have the highest potential to be abused and cause dependency while Schedule V drugs are the least likely to cause these problems, and they provide the greatest benefit (medically speaking). Right now, please examine this summary of the five classes or schedules.
Schedule I: No medical use or purpose. High probability for abuse/addiction.
Schedule II: High possibility of abuse causing physical/psychological problems/dependence. Dangerous but medicinal benefits when used as prescribed.
Schedule III: Moderate to lower potential for abuse and/or physical or psychological dependence.
Schedule IV: Low risk for abuse and dependence.
Schedule V: Lower risk of abuse and dependence than those items on Schedule IV.
Regardless of Schedules, ANY drug is dangerous if misused or abused!