The State Board of Health annually publishes Schedules I through V, which lists all the known substances which are classified as "controlled" at the time of publication. Of course, marijuana, cocaine and crack, heroin, crystal meth, and other street drugs you have probably heard about are illegal. Prescription drugs which are also listed, because possession of these substances without a valid prescription, is a felony.

Students may have heard about a "date rape" drug that has been circulating around college campuses. Commonly referred to as "roofies," these pills have extremely powerful sedative qualities and cannot be detected by sight or smell when added to a beverage. Cases involving roofies have been prosecuted in Mobile County, and students should keep a close eye on any beverages they consume to prevent tampering. Using this drug to commit a crime can result in additional felony charges, such as Rape First Degree, a Class A felony, which carries a penalty ranging from ten years to life in prison.

This information was provided by the Mobile County [AL] District Attorney's Office and is intended to give USA students a legal perspective on what being involved with illegal drugs can mean for their futures. Students are encouraged to be aware of this information when they make decisions about who to hang out with, where to go, and what to do. It should be noted that the legal information provided only encompasses the law of the State of Alabama.