Opium and Poppy straw, Coca leaves (cocaine and ecgonine) are classified under which schedule?

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

Answer: (A)

Schedule II

These substances have a legitimate medical use but a high potential for abuse and dependence, which is why they’re placed in Schedule II. Opium and poppy straw are sources of potent opiate alkaloids used medically in the past and in some cases today, while coca leaves contain cocaine and ecgonine, compounds with recognizable medical utilities as local anesthetics. Because of the significant risk of misuse, they are tightly regulated rather than placed in lower schedules. Schedule I would mean no accepted medical use, which isn’t the case here, and Schedule III/IV reflect lower abuse potential with different medical utility.