Tranquilizers - The Law

The Law

Tranquilizers are legal drugs that are only available with a prescription from a licensed doctor. In the United States, they are classified as Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970. However, it is not legal to manufacture, distribute, or sell these drugs without a proper license. A person who illegally distributes tranquilizers can face up to fifteen years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

A few types of minor tranquilizers are so addictive that they have been outlawed. Doriden and Quaaludes are examples of drugs that were once legally prescribed but are now banned from the United States because they were so frequently abused. Rohypnol, known as a "date rape drug," is illegal in the United States as well, but legal in countries in Europe, Central America, and South America.