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

Tools like Narx Scores are used to help medical providers review controlled substance prescriptions.

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2023

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

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

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