The federal government still thinks pot is as dangerous as heroin

The Drug Enforcement Administration will not reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, despite two petitions asking for it be reconsidered. Instead, marijuana will remain categorized with the most restricted drugs, like heroin and LSD, ABC News reports.

"Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance because it does not meet the criteria for currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, there is a lack of accepted safety for its use under medical supervision, and it has a high potential for abuse," the DEA said. By comparison, Ritalin, Adderall, and oxycodone are lower-level Schedule II drugs.

The DEA reviewed marijuana "to help facilitate scientific research and the development of cannabinoid-based medicines," but said they still need to do more research to determine the extent of the medical effects of the drug. Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada are considering the full legalization of marijuana on the ballot this November, with Arkansas and Florida voting on medical marijuana proposals. The drug is already legalized for recreational use in Alaska, Oregon, Washington State, the District of Columbia, and Colorado.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up