Why are some euthanasia solutions classified as Class II controlled substances?

Euthanasia solutions that are classified as Class II controlled substances generally contain substances that have a higher potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence if misused. Class II substances are regulated more stringently than those in lower classifications because they can pose a significant risk to public health if mishandled or misused.

The classification often stems from the specific ingredients in these euthanasia solutions; for example, certain agents used may be similar to other controlled substances that have documented potential for misuse. The presence of a red dye for identification, while it may be a safety and regulatory measure, does not account for the classification itself. The primary reason for a substance being designated as a Class II controlled substance is its potential for misuse rather than any additional identifying features like color.