controlled substances
compound.compound. drugs or chemicals that are strictly limited by the government because they can be dangerous or addictive.
compound. a legal classification for drugs and chemicals whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by a government. This term is typically used in a legal or pharmaceutical context to refer to narcotics, stimulants, and other substances with a high potential for abuse.
The pharmacy keeps all controlled substances in a locked cabinet.
It is illegal to transport controlled substances across the border without the proper medical documentation and permits.
The legislative overhaul aimed to reclassify several synthetic compounds as controlled substances to curb the rising rates of accidental overdoses.
usually used in the plural; common in legal, medical, and law enforcement contexts.
contrast with 'illegal drugs' — while all illegal drugs are controlled substances, many controlled substances are legal when used with a valid prescription.
Last updated August 2, 2026