What is one characteristic of Schedule I substances?

Schedule I substances are characterized by having a high potential for abuse, which is a key element in their classification. This category includes drugs that are considered to have a significant risk of addiction and misuse, making their usage highly controlled and monitored. Importantly, substances classified as Schedule I are not recognized for any accepted medical use in the United States. This lack of accepted medical use is one of the reasons they are subject to the strictest regulatory measures among drug schedules. The high potential for abuse indicates that these substances can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, which is why they are heavily restricted and often illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess.