Which schedule of controlled substances is characterized by a low potential for abuse and has currently accepted medical use in the US?

The correct choice reflects substances that are classified under Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act. This schedule includes drugs that have a low potential for abuse relative to substances classified in higher schedules, such as Schedule I, II, or III. Medications in Schedule IV are widely recognized for their accepted medical uses in the United States, which means they are prescribed for various medical conditions and have a recognized therapeutic value.

Examples of Schedule IV substances include certain anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids, which are deemed to have a safer profile concerning abuse potential. This classification ensures that while these substances are available for medical use, they are still regulated to prevent misuse and ensure they are used safely under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The other schedules, particularly Schedule I, contain substances that are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, making them illegal in most contexts. Schedules II and III include drugs that have a higher potential for abuse than those in Schedule IV and have more stringent regulations governing their use.