Final answer:
The higher the schedule number of a controlled-substance drug, the lower the potential for abuse and the greater the accepted medical use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The schedule number of a controlled-substance drug is an indicator of the potential for abuse and accepted medical use as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Specifically, Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. On the other end, Schedule V substances have a lower potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule IV and are currently accepted for medical use in treatment in the United States, potentially having less restrictive regulations. Therefore, the answer to your question is A) The lower the potential for abuse. For example, although marijuana is legal for medicinal or recreational use in many states, it is still classified federally as a Schedule I drug, which signifies a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Learn more about Controlled Substance Scheduling