United States v. Hemani · ¶12

To define the term “controlled substance,” § 922(g)(3) relies on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Enacted to protect “the health and general welfare of the American peo- ple,” 21 U. S. C. § 801(2), the CSA sets forth five schedules of “controlled substances” subject to varying degrees of regulation, § 802. They range from Schedule I drugs with a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical uses (like heroin) to Schedule V drugs with the lowest potential for abuse and many accepted medical uses (like Robitussin with codeine). §§ 802, 812. By incorporating the CSA definition of the term “controlled substance,” 18 U. S. C. § 922(g)(3) makes it illegal for anyone who unlawfully uses any drug found on any of the CSA's schedules to possess a frearm for any reason, upon threat of imprisonment and permanent disarmament.

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