What does the Controlled Substance Act regulate?

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) primarily regulates the scheduling of drugs based on their potential for abuse, among other considerations. Under the CSA, drugs are classified into different schedules that reflect their medical use, the likelihood of dependence, and their potential for abuse.

Schedule I substances, for instance, are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, whereas substances in lower schedules are recognized for their medical benefits and lower abuse potential. This scheduling system is critical for controlling the distribution, manufacturing, and use of these substances, ensuring that potentially harmful drugs are tightly regulated to protect public health and safety.

In contrast, other options do not align with the core focus of the CSA. The measurement of drug efficacy pertains more to clinical research and drug approval processes rather than regulation of substances. Price regulation is typically handled by market forces and policies outside the CSA. Finally, while consumer education about drug risks is an important public health issue, it is not the primary regulatory focus of the CSA. Thus, the CSA's main role centers on the classification and control of substances based on their abuse potential.