Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substances ("CDS")

N.J.S.A. 24:21-7. Schedule III Drugs Under New Jersey Law

schedule III drug offenses in NJ

The criminal laws of NJ attempt to regulate any and all use and possession of drugs, also referred to as controlled dangerous substances, given their susceptibility to abuse. One variety of CDS falling within the laws of the state is contained at N.J.S.A. 24:21-7, commonly referred to as Schedule III CDS. If you were arrested or charged with any type of drug crime based on a Schedule III drug or any other CDS, the lawyers at our firm can help you. Initial consultations are always without charge and one of our attorneys is available 24/7 at 855-450-8310. We hope you find the information on the site helpful. That said, the law in question, N.J.S.A. 24:21-7, provides as follows:

a. Tests. The director shall place a substance in Schedule III if he finds that the substance: (1) has a potential for abuse less than the substances listed in Schedules I and II; [FN1] (2) has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and (3) abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

b. The controlled dangerous substances listed in this section are included in Schedule III, subject to any revision and republishing by the director pursuant to subsection d. of section 3 of P.L.1970, c. 226 (C.24:21-3), and except to the extent provided in any other schedule.

c. Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances associated with a stimulant effect on the central nervous system:

  1. Amphetamine, its salts, optical isomers, and salts of its optical isomers.
  2. Phenmetrazine and its salts.
  3. Any substance which contains any quantity of methamphetamine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers.
  4. Methylphenidate.

d. Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances having a potential for abuse associated with a depressant effect on the central nervous system:

  1. Any substance which contains any quantity of a derivative of barbituric acid, or any salt of a derivative of barbituric acid, except those substances which are specifically listed in other schedules
  2. Chlorhexadol
  3. Glutethimide
  4. Lysergic acid
  5. Lysergic acid amide
  6. Methyprylon
  7. Phencyclidine
  8. Sulfondiethylmethane
  9. Sulfonethylmethane
  10. Sulfonmethane
  11. Ketamine hydrochloride.

e. Nalorphine.

f. Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing limited quantities of any of the following narcotic drugs, or any salts thereof:

  1. Not more than 1.80 grams of codeine or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or not more than 90 milligrams per dosage unit, with an equal or greater quantity of an isoquinoline alkaloid of opium.
  2. Not more than 1.80 grams of codeine or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or not more than 90 milligrams per dosage unit, with one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredients in recognized therapeutic amounts.
  3. Not more than 300 milligrams of dihydrocodeinone or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or not more than 15 milligrams per dosage unit, with a four-fold or greater quantity of an isoquinoline alkaloid of opium.
  4. Not more than 300 milligrams of dihydrocodeinone or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or not more than 15 milligrams per dosage unit, with one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredients in recognized therapeutic amounts.
  5. Not more than 1.80 grams of dihydrocodeine or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or not more than 90 milligrams per dosage unit, with one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredients in recognized therapeutic amounts.
  6. Not more than 300 milligrams of ethylmorphine or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or not more than 15 milligrams per dosage unit, with one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredients in recognized therapeutic amounts.
  7. Not more than 500 milligrams of opium or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams, or not more than 25 milligrams per dosage unit, with one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredients in recognized therapeutic amounts.
  8. Not more than 50 milligrams of morphine or any of its salts per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams with one or more active, nonnarcotic ingredients in recognized therapeutic amounts.

g. The director may by regulation except any compound, mixture, or preparation containing any stimulant or depressant substance listed in subsections c. and d. of this schedule from the application of all or any part of this act if the compound, mixture, or preparation contains one or more active medicinal ingredients not having a stimulant or depressant effect on the central nervous system; provided, that such admixtures shall be included therein in such combinations, quantity, proportion, or concentration as to vitiate the potential for abuse of the substances which do have a stimulant or depressant effect on the central nervous system.