Cocaine is classified as which Schedule?

• A. Schedule I
• B. Schedule II
• C. Schedule III
• D. Schedule IV

Answer: (B)

Scheduling drugs hinges on abuse potential and accepted medical use. Cocaine is placed in Schedule II because it has a high potential for abuse, yet it does have an accepted medical use under strict controls (for example, as a local anesthetic in certain procedures). This combination sets it apart from Schedule I substances, which have no accepted medical use, and from Schedule III or IV substances, which have lower abuse potential and broader medical use. The restricted medical use of cocaine, along with its significant abuse risk, is what anchors it in Schedule II.