What act categorizes dangerous drugs into schedules?

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 is the pivotal legislation that categorizes dangerous drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety or dependence liability. This act established a classification system which divides drugs into five distinct schedules (Schedule I through Schedule V), with Schedule I substances being the most restricted due to a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule V includes drugs that are deemed to have a lower potential for abuse and recognized medical uses. The act's comprehensive framework governs the manufacture, distribution, and prescription of controlled substances, ensuring that there is a legal protocol for the handling of these drugs in order to prevent misuse and protect public health. This structured approach allows for proper regulation and monitoring of potentially dangerous substances, hence playing a crucial role in pharmacology and drug policy.