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

Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the felon-in-possession law against Edell Jackson, who had challenged a ban on possessing a firearm after he had done time in prison for selling a controlled substance in Minnesota.

From Washington Times • Sep. 7, 2023

In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court struck down Washington’s criminal statute prohibiting possession of a controlled substance, which was considered a felony.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

With that carve out, veterinarians would not face the restrictions of a controlled substance.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2023

I was contemplating the irony of Netflix, which has turned television into something approaching a controlled substance, organizing a live comedy festival — “don’t take your eyes off the screen until we tell you to.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2022

Both the federal government and states can differ on what is a controlled substance by keeping separate lists.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2021