Which is technically the only schedule 3 drug that has to be kept in the controlled drugs cabinet?

• A. Morphine
• B. Fentanyl
• C. Ketamine
• D. Buprenorphine

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how storage rules depend on the drug’s scheduling. Higher-schedule drugs require stricter containment and records. Among commonly used veterinary controlled substances, morphine and fentanyl are tightly controlled as Schedule 2 drugs and must be kept in a dedicated controlled drugs cabinet with careful stock control and restricted access. Buprenorphine, while also a controlled substance, sits in Schedule 3 and has a storage arrangement in many regulatory frameworks that specifically requires it to be kept in the controlled drugs cabinet. Ketamine is Schedule 3 as well, but in many places it does not mandate a separate controlled drugs cabinet and can be stored in a standard locked cabinet with appropriate accounting.

So buprenorphine is the one that, by regulatory practice, is kept in the dedicated controlled drugs cabinet, reflecting its abuse potential and regulatory status. Always follow your local regulations, but this is the typical distinction you’ll see in practice.