San Antonio Drug Possession Attorney: What is a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1?

In Texas, drugs are classified into penalty groups, with each group carrying different penalties and consequences. In this blog post, we will focus on Penalty Group 1, which includes some of the most heavily regulated and punished controlled substances.

Penalty groups are categories created by the Texas Health and Safety Code to classify controlled substances. The groups are based on the potential for abuse and the accepted medical use of the substance. Penalties for the possession, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance vary based on the group in which the substance is classified.

Penalty Group 1 includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The substances in this group are considered more dangerous than other drugs, and their use and distribution are heavily regulated.

List of Most Common Substances in Penalty Group 1:

Cocaine (including crack): Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence but has some accepted medical uses. Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that has been processed into a rock crystal and is typically smoked. Cocaine and crack produce a feeling of euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. They can also cause heart problems, seizures, and other serious health issues. Cocaine has a long history of use, with indigenous South American cultures using coca leaves for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years. The drug became popular in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to a significant rise in drug-related violence and addiction.

Heroin: Heroin is an opioid drug derived from the opium poppy plant. It is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no accepted medical use and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Heroin produces a feeling of intense euphoria and relaxation, but it also causes severe respiratory depression and other dangerous side effects. Heroin has a long and storied history, with opium use dating back to ancient civilizations. Heroin was first synthesized from morphine in the late 19th century and was marketed as a non-addictive painkiller. However, it was quickly discovered to be highly addictive and led to widespread addiction and health problems.

Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence but has some accepted medical uses. Methamphetamine produces a feeling of euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. It also causes serious health problems, including heart disease, seizures, and mental health issues. Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan in the early 20th century and was widely used by soldiers in World War II to stay awake and alert.

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its analogs: GHB is a central nervous system depressant that is sometimes used as a date rape drug due to its sedative effects. It is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no accepted medical use and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. GHB produces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, but it can also cause severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. GHB and its analogs are sometimes used as supplements by bodybuilders and are also used recreationally.

Ketamine: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that is used in medical settings to induce sedation and anesthesia. It is classified as a Schedule III drug, meaning it has a lower potential for abuse and dependence than Schedule I and II drugs but still has some potential for abuse. Ketamine produces a feeling of detachment from reality, and it is sometimes used recreationally. It can cause serious health problems, including respiratory depression and addiction. Ketamine was first synthesized in the 1960s and was used primarily as a veterinary anesthetic until the 1990s when it became popular as a recreational drug.

Oxycodone: Oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence but has some accepted medical uses. Oxycodone produces a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, but it can also cause respiratory depression and other dangerous side effects. It has a long history of use as a painkiller, with the first synthesis of the drug occurring in 1916. Oxycodone is highly addictive, and in recent years, there has been a rise in opioid addiction and overdose deaths due to its widespread availability.

Methadone: Methadone is an opioid medication used to treat pain and opioid addiction. It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence but has some accepted medical uses. Methadone produces a feeling of euphoria and relaxation but can also cause respiratory depression and other dangerous side effects. Methadone is used as a substitute for opioids in medication-assisted treatment programs for addiction. It was first synthesized in the 1930s and was initially used as a painkiller. In the 1960s, it was discovered to be useful in treating opioid addiction.

Possession of any of the substances in Penalty Group 1 can result in serious consequences. If you are caught with even a small amount of any of these drugs, you could be facing felony charges. Possession with intent to distribute is even more severe and carries a higher penalty.

Penalties for Possession and Distribution:

Possession

Less than 1 gram – State Jail Felony
More than 1 gram and less than 4 grams — Third-Degree Felony
More than 4 grams and less than 200 grams — Second-Degree Felony
More than 200 grams and less than 400 grams — First-Degree Felony
400 grams or more — Super Felony punishable by 10-99 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both

Delivery, Intent to Deliver, and Manufacture

Less than 1 gram – State Jail Felony
More than 1 gram and less than 4 grams — Second-Degree Felony
More than 4 grams and less than 200 grams — First-Degree Felony
More than 200 grams and less than 400 grams — Super Felony punishable by 10-99 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both
400 grams or more — Super Felony punishable by 15-99 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both

Possession of a controlled substance is a serious crime that can result in a felony conviction, which can carry significant consequences, including loss of employment, housing, and other civil liberties. It is essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.