DEA Upholds Marijuana's Classification as a High-Risk Drug
The DEA has reaffirmed marijuana's classification as a Schedule I drug, citing insufficient evidence for medical use, despite state-level legalization trends
Key Points
- 1DEA maintains marijuana as a Schedule I drug, citing no substantial evidence for change
- 2The decision responds to a 2011 petition by former governors for reclassification
- 3Health officials report marijuana has high abuse potential and lacks medical safety
- 425 states allow medical marijuana use; some permit recreational use
- 5Federal stance remains unchanged despite state-level legalization efforts
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has decided to maintain marijuana's classification as a Schedule I drug, arguing that there is no substantial evidence to justify a reclassification. This decision stems from a 2011 petition by two former state governors who sought to recognize marijuana as having accepted medical uses. However, the DEA has reiterated its stance, citing a lack of sufficient scientific backing for such a change
The DEA's decision was informed by a scientific and medical evaluation requested from health officials. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, marijuana is deemed to have a high potential for abuse and lacks an acceptable level of safety for use, even under medical supervision. This position aligns with the long-standing federal classification of marijuana alongside drugs like heroin, indicating severe restrictions on its use and study
Despite the federal stance, marijuana is legally used for medical purposes in 25 states across the U.S., with some states like Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and the District of Columbia permitting its recreational use. Advocates for reclassification argue that easing restrictions could facilitate more scientific research into marijuana's potential benefits. However, the DEA's decision underscores the ongoing federal prohibition, which contrasts with evolving state-level policies