Which category of controlled substances tends to have the lowest potential for abuse?

The category of controlled substances that tends to have the lowest potential for abuse is Class V. These substances are recognized as having a lower abuse potential compared to the other classes, which include Class I through Class IV. Class V substances are typically used for medical purposes, such as medications for cough suppression or diarrhea, and they usually contain limited quantities of narcotics.

Examples include medications like lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine) and various preparations containing codeine in limited doses. The regulatory framework reflects that while these substances can still lead to physical or psychological dependence, the risk is substantially lower compared to higher classes. As a result, these substances are subject to less stringent controls than those categorized as Class II, III, or IV, reflecting a consensus that they present a significantly lower risk when used as directed.

The other categories, on the other hand, include substances which have increasing potential for abuse and dependency from Class II (high potential for abuse with severe psychological or physical dependence) to Class IV (lower risk but still regulated due to potential for abuse). Thus, Class V stands out as the category with the least potential for abuse.