Under federal law (applicable in all states) it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance, unless the substance was obtained through a valid prescription or order from a practitioner, while acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice. See 21 U.S.C. §844.

The term controlled substance means a drug or other substance—or an immediate precursor to the drug or other substance—that is included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of the relevant portion of the United States Code (statute). See 21 U.S.C. §841.

The term practitioner means a physician, dentist, veterinarian, scientific investigator, pharmacy, hospital, or other person licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted by the United States or the jurisdiction (state) in which he practices or does research to distribute, dispense, conduct related research, administer, or use in teaching or chemical analysis a controlled substance in the course of such professional practice or research. 21 U.S.C. §802(21).

As under federal law, state laws usually classify substances in groups or schedules that determine which substances are included in the definition of controlled substances, and the potential penalties or punishments for possessing them without legal authorization. Criminal charges and penalties for these offenses vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code. Illegal possession of controlled substances may also be prosecuted under federal law. See 21 U.S.C. §844.

Under both federal and Connecticut state law, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription or order from a licensed practitioner. Controlled substances are classified into schedules I through V, with Schedule I substances being considered the most dangerous and having a high potential for abuse, and Schedule V substances being the least dangerous. In Connecticut, the penalties for possession of a controlled substance can vary based on the type and amount of the substance, as well as the individual's criminal history. The state follows its own controlled substances scheduling, which is similar to the federal scheduling system. Possession of a controlled substance in Connecticut without lawful authority can lead to charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, federal law may also apply, allowing for federal prosecution of drug possession offenses. It is important for individuals in Connecticut to understand both state and federal regulations regarding controlled substances to ensure compliance with the law.