North Carolina Schedules, Controlled
Substances & Penalties for Possession*
The Schedules, Controlled Substances and Penalties for Possession listed below describe the
schedule system, gives examples of drugs in each schedule, and outlines the minimum
punishment for possession of any amount of the substance. The punishments for illegally
Trafficking Penalties listed below describe the minimum amount of controlled substance that one
must possess in order to be charged with trafficking.
Schedules, Controlled Substances and Penalties for Possession
Schedule I
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no medical use. Has a lack of accepted safety.
Heroine, Ecstasy, GHB, Methaqualone, Peyote, Opiates (and others)
First Offense - Class 1 Felony, 4-5 months
Schedule II
Has a high potential for abuse. Has accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may
lead to physical or psychologial dependence.
Cocaine, Raw Opium, Opium Extracts-Fluid and Powder, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Morphine,
Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ritalin (and others)
First Offense - Class 1 Misdemeanor, 45 Days in Jail
Second Offense - Class 1 Felony, 4-5 Months
Schedule III
Has potential for abuse, but less than Schedule I or II substances. Has an accepted medical
use. Abuse may lead to limited dependence.
Ketamine, Anabolic Steriods, Some Barbituates (and others)
First Offense - Class 1, 45 Days in Jail
Second Offense - Class 1 Felony, 4-5 Months
Schedule IV
Has a low potential for abuse. Has an accepted medical use. Abuse may lead to limited
dependence.
Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, Darvon, Clonazepam, Barbital (and others)
First Offense - Class 1 Misdemeanor, 45 Days in Jail
Second Offense - Class 1 Felony, 4-5 Months
Schedule V
Has a low potential for abuse. Has an accepted medical use. Abuse may lead to limited
dependence.
Over the counter cough medicines with codeine (and others)
First Offense- Class 2 Misdemeanor, 30 Days in Jail
Second Offense - Class 1 Misdemeanor, 45 Days in Jail
Schedule VI
Has a low potential for abuse. Has no accepted medical use. Abuse may lead to limited
dependence.
Marijuana, Hashish, Hashish Oil
First Offense - Class 3 Misdemeanor, 10 Days in Jail or Suspended Sentence
Second Offense- Class 2 Misdemeanor 30 Days in Jail
Illegal Trafficking Penalties
Marijuana
10 - 49 lbs.
Class H Felony
25 - 30 Months
$5,000 Fine
50 - 1,999 lbs.
Class G Felony
35 - 42 Months
$25,000 Fine
2,000 - 9,999 lbs.
Class F Felony
70 - 84 Months
$50,000 Fine
10,000 lbs. or more
Class D Felony
175 - 219 Months
$200,000 Fine
Heroine
4 - 13 grams
Class F Felony
70 - 84 Months
$50,000 Fine
14 - 27 grams
Class E Felony
$100,000 Fine
90 - 117 Months
28 grams or more
Class C Felony
225-279 Months
$250,000 Fine
Cocaine
28 - 199 grams
Class G Felony
35 - 42 Months
$50,000 Fine
200 - 399 grams
Class F Felony
70 - 87 Months
$100,000 Fine
400 grams or more
Class D Felony
175 - 219 Months
$250,000 Fine
Methamphetamines
28 - 199 grams
Class F Felony
70 - 84 Months
$50,000 Fine
200 - 399 grams
Class E Felony
90 - 117 Months
$100,000 Fine
400 grams or more
Class C Felony
225 - 279 Months
$250,000 Fine
*Used with permission of Pitt Community College, Greenville, NC 27835-7007
