Which drug schedule includes non-narcotics with a less abuse potential?

The correct answer highlights that Schedule III drugs contain non-narcotics that have a lower potential for abuse compared to drugs classified as Schedule I or II. Schedule III drugs include a variety of substances such as certain anabolic steroids and some medications that combine narcotics with non-narcotics, like certain pain relievers.

Drugs in Schedule III are considered to have a moderate level of physical dependence and a lower risk of psychological dependence compared to higher schedules. This makes them more accessible for medical use while still being regulated to prevent misuse. Understanding these classifications is important in the context of medical law and ethics, as it informs healthcare providers on the appropriate handling and prescribing of medications based on their abuse potential.

Other schedules, such as Schedule I, include drugs that have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule IV includes drugs with a lower abuse potential than Schedule III, but still maintain a higher potential for abuse compared to Schedule V. Schedule V contains medications with the lowest potential for abuse, often having preparations that are available over the counter in some states. This hierarchy helps in understanding the regulation and control measures necessary to ensure public safety while allowing for therapeutic use of medications.