Marijuana’s Schedule 1 Classification

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States. This means that the federal government considers it to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

As a Schedule 1 drug, marijuana is subject to the most stringent controls under the Controlled Substances Act. It is illegal at the federal level to possess, use, sell, or cultivate marijuana, even for medical purposes. However, some states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, despite its Schedule 1 status under federal law.

There is ongoing debate about the classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, with many arguing that it should be reclassified or descheduled altogether. Proponents of reclassification point to the growing body of research indicating that marijuana may have medical benefits, particularly in the treatment of chronic pain and certain medical conditions, and that it may be less harmful than other drugs that are not classified as Schedule 1 substances.