The classification of drugs into controlled substance schedules by the federal government is primarily based on what factor?

The classification of drugs into controlled substance schedules by the federal government is primarily based on the potential for abuse and dependence. This system is designed to regulate substances that may pose significant risks to public health and safety due to their addictive nature. Controlled substances are categorized into schedules ranging from I to V, with Schedule I drugs having the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States, leading to the strictest regulations.

The evaluation of a drug's potential for abuse involves looking at factors such as its pharmacological effects, the likelihood of addiction, and the overall risk it poses to individual users and to society. This focus helps to ensure that substances that are highly addictive or may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence are more tightly controlled.

In contrast, the potential for therapeutic benefit, chemical composition, and market price do not directly influence the scheduling process as primary factors. Therapeutic benefit considers the medical use of the drug, which, while important, is secondary to the assessment of abuse potential in this classification system.