Marijuana is listed in Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning the government believes it (1) is subject to the same abuse potential as drugs like heroin and cocaine, (2) has no accepted medical use, and (3) it is not safe even under medical supervision.
* 22 states + D.C. have legalized medical marijuana based on scientific research showing numerous medical benefits including anticancer activity. Recreational use is legal in 2 states.
* Marijuana has a low potential for abuse compared with other drugs like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
Marijuana does not meet the criteria for a Schedule I substance. It has a lower potential for abuse than alcohol/nicotine and is safely used as medicine in 22 states. Even President Obama has admitted marijuana is safer than alcohol.