controlled substance

American  

noun

1. any of a category of behavior-altering or addictive drugs, as heroin or cocaine, whose possession and use are restricted by law.

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Etymology

Origin of controlled substance

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The panel “has a record of providing an extra level of protection, which is important given the volume of controlled substance research that occurs in California,” the analysis said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2024

Action was necessary because, two years ago, the Washington State Supreme Court struck down the state’s prohibition against possession of a controlled substance, which was then considered a felony.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

That does not include measures to add more synthetic opioids to controlled substance lists to mirror federal law; those have been adopted in many states, with bipartisan support.

From Washington Times • Apr. 3, 2022

It's not the first time this debate over whether delta-8 was or was not a controlled substance in Texas has come up.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2021

The revenue would then be funneled back to communities most affected by federal drug policy and to fund expanded medical research into cannabis that is currently limited by its status as a controlled substance.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2021