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According to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, controlled substances
are classified on a system of five schedules: schedule I substances are
very prone to abuse, have no medical use, and are unsafe to use while
being monitored by medical professionals; schedule II substances are
prone to abuse and may cause severe physiological and psychological
dependence; also, substances on schedules II through V have accepted
medicinal use; schedule III though V substances are less prone to abuse
than substances in the preceding schedules and abuse may lead to
dependence less than that of preceding schedules. The Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) classified marijuana among other dangerous
controlled substances under schedule I. However, according to studies
conducted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, marijuana causes
psychological dependence and little physiological dependence.
Furthermore, medical uses for marijuana have been recognized by several
states and verified in multiple studies (DrugText.org). Consequently,
marijuana should not be classified as a schedule I substance because
schedule I substances lack accepted medicinal use, possess high potential
for abuse, and lack safety when used under medical supervision (CSA).
Schedule I substances are not recognized for medicinal use within the
United States. According to the DEA, hallucinogenic substances elicit
hallucinations, drastic behavioral changes, and distorted perceptions in
time and space. The hallucinogenic substances located under schedule I
are very good examples of substances that lack medicinal value, and
therefore lack accepted medicinal use. Although schedule II through V
substances have potential for abuse they also have accepted medicinal
use. For instance, Hydrocodone is a schedule II/III opiate derivative
prescribed by physicians for pain relief (Erowid.org). Furthermore,
hydrocodone can be addictive and is often abused. However,
hydrocodone is very important to medicine because it provides excellent
pain relief. As a result of its pain relieving properties hydrocodone is
recognized for medicinal use.
Most schedule I substances possess a very high potential for abuse. For
example, heroin is an extremely addictive, schedule I opiate that can lead
to very severe dependence (University of Oslo). The following experience
is a tragic occurrence that happens all too often. The user was thirteen,
and smoked heroin for the first time when some of his older brother’s
friends coerced him into it (Erowid.org). He described his experience as
flying to the moon and back. However, due to the pure euphoria the user
continued smoking heroin for the next four months which caused his
tolerance to soar. Since the user’s tolerance continually increased he
began injecting heroin intravenously, and continued doing so over the next
six years. Aspects of heroin abuse nearly claimed the user’s life, and did
claim the lives of many of his friends. Heroin abuse is hard to stop
because the withdrawal symptoms are torturous and the addict longs to
end them with another high. In fact, when users stop using heroin they
go through two stages, withdrawal and protracted abstinence syndrome
(PAS). The symptoms during withdrawal last seven to ten days and
involve nausea, tremors, craving, irritability, and loss of appetite (DEA).
Following withdrawal the addict goes through PAS which lasts at least
thirty-one weeks and involves abnormal blood pressure, pupil diameter,
pulse rate, body temperature, and feelings of depression (DrugLibrary.org).
Schedule I substances are potentially harmful when used under proper
medical supervision. For instance, 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a drug
that has very unpredictable side effects such as cardiac arrest, labored
breathing, pulmonary congestion, renal failure, convulsions, coma, and
death (DEA). Consequently, PMA is placed under schedule I because it is
too dangerous for use under medical supervision. In contrast, Diazepam is
a schedule IV substance that lacks dangerous side effects, and has very
little potential for harm when used under professional medical supervision
(Mentalhealth.com).
By classifying marijuana as a schedule I substance the DEA refuses to
accept its medicinal value. However, studies show that medicinal
marijuana can be used to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, pain,
epilepsy, glaucoma, bronchial asthma, and AIDS or cancer related eating
disorders (DrugText.org). Furthermore, nine states have laws that legalize
the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and thirty-five states have
legislation recognizing the medicinal potential for marijuana (Holland).
Dixie Romagno, a sufferer of multiple sclerosis who used marijuana to
alleviate associated symptoms reports “I put 1/8 of a gram into a water
pipe and inhale slowly, holding my breath for approximately ten seconds,
then exhale. Relief is nearly immediate. My muscles relax and I feel more
in control. This lasts for about two and a half hours.”
Marijuana does have potential for abuse, although the potential for abuse
is nothing near that of most other schedule I drugs. Furthermore, there is
no scientific agreement as to whether or not marijuana causes
dependency (Norml.org). The reasons for this disagreement include lack of
physical dependence and the difference of addiction between different
people. Most often, when a user stops consuming marijuana they
experience restlessness, irritability, and mild sleep disruption. However, it
is unknown to what degree the physiological or psychological dependence
affects these symptoms. Moreover, marijuana has less potential for abuse
than many substances on schedules II through V. For instance, a
commonly prescribed and abused group of substances known as
benzodiazepines can cause severe physical and psychological dependence
(DEA). The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines are similar to alcohol
and can cause seizures which lead to death. Compared with the addictive
nature of other controlled substances the potential to abuse marijuana is
low.
When marijuana was classified as a schedule I substance the
facts concerning its dangers and uses were very unclear. One notorious
study conducted by Dr. Robert Heath showed brain damage in rhesus
monkeys. However, because of a small sample size and extremely large
doses many researchers denied the validity of the experiment
(Erowid.org). Consequently, two recent studies using a greater number of
rhesus monkeys failed to duplicate the results of his experiment. Multiple
studies of marijuana have shown that there is little chance that marijuana
can cause permanent brain damage (Norml.org). The most damaging part
of marijuana is the smoke, for carcinogens are released when the plant
material is burnt (DEA). Therefore, smoking marijuana is very bad for a
person’s lungs and can cause premature cancer. However, eating
marijuana in the form of brownies or candies does not cause physical
damage or release carcinogens that are found in the smoke. Also,
according to the US National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse,
one third of a person’s bodyweight in marijuana must be consumed all at
once to overdose, so the toxicity of marijuana must be very low. In
contrast, the highly used drug known as aspirin is responsible for
hundreds of deaths due to overdose each year (Francis Young).
Scheduling marijuana as a schedule I substance is unwarranted because
marijuana does not fit the three criteria that define a schedule I
substance. When marijuana became a schedule I drug under the
Controlled Substance Act the misinformation about marijuana was very
prolific (DrugLibrary.org). Furthermore, new scientific findings contradict
the criteria that define marijuana as a schedule I substance, yet the DEA
continues to maintain that marijuana is a schedule I drug.
According to Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital (SCVHH) smoked,
crude marijuana is not a good medicine, and Marinol provides the same
medical benefits (DADS). Marinol is a schedule III substance that is made
from the main active ingredient in marijuana. Also, Marinol is consumed in
a tablet form so smoking is not involved. Also, the SCVHH contends that
studies showing the benefits of medicinal marijuana in glaucoma and
multiple sclerosis are inaccurate.
Marijuana does lack physiological dependence, yet is a very
insidious substance nonetheless. Many people who smoke marijuana find
they lack the power to quit. For instance, an acquaintance once said “I
just can’t seem to stop [smoking marijuana], it is too available, too
tempting, and all my friends do it.” Studies often fail to incorporate the
subtle social and emotional factors that make marijuana addiction
extremely hard to beat. Though the chemicals in marijuana may not be
very addictive the experience of getting high is. The feelings of euphoria,
nonchalance, and camaraderie that the addict shares with his friends are a
great reward for a small price. Consequently, the addict does not realize
he is becoming addicted, and before long the addict finds that it is
extremely hard to stop consuming marijuana.
Using marijuana only a few times can lead to other drug use (ONDCP).
This idea is known as the Gateway Theory. Studies show that people who
have used marijuana go on to use harder drugs. For example, if marijuana
were prescribed as a medication people would be introduced to the high,
and from this introduction people may wish to experiment with harder
substances. Consequently, prescribing a gateway drug to help treat an
ailment is not safe, for medical supervision will not be present if the patient
decides to experiment with harder more dangerous substances.
The potential for marijuana to be abused is present. Moreover, because of
the insidious way marijuana affects the psyche it is hard to not abuse.
Also, since marijuana is so frequently acquired and consumed people do
not recognize their problem and continue to abuse the substance.
Consequently, if marijuana were removed from schedule I it would be even
easier to acquire and abuse.
By definition, marijuana does not belong under schedule I.
However, there are many facets to the issue, for marijuana has potential
and danger in equal parts. While marijuana itself is a relatively safe
substance the paths to which abuse can lead are devastating. In
contrast, the medicinal values of marijuana show immense promise. The
proper classification of marijuana is debatable, for only time and future
research will place this substance where it belongs.
If you actually read this please tell me how you feel about it or if you noticed anything wrong with it. thanks!
are classified on a system of five schedules: schedule I substances are
very prone to abuse, have no medical use, and are unsafe to use while
being monitored by medical professionals; schedule II substances are
prone to abuse and may cause severe physiological and psychological
dependence; also, substances on schedules II through V have accepted
medicinal use; schedule III though V substances are less prone to abuse
than substances in the preceding schedules and abuse may lead to
dependence less than that of preceding schedules. The Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) classified marijuana among other dangerous
controlled substances under schedule I. However, according to studies
conducted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, marijuana causes
psychological dependence and little physiological dependence.
Furthermore, medical uses for marijuana have been recognized by several
states and verified in multiple studies (DrugText.org). Consequently,
marijuana should not be classified as a schedule I substance because
schedule I substances lack accepted medicinal use, possess high potential
for abuse, and lack safety when used under medical supervision (CSA).
Schedule I substances are not recognized for medicinal use within the
United States. According to the DEA, hallucinogenic substances elicit
hallucinations, drastic behavioral changes, and distorted perceptions in
time and space. The hallucinogenic substances located under schedule I
are very good examples of substances that lack medicinal value, and
therefore lack accepted medicinal use. Although schedule II through V
substances have potential for abuse they also have accepted medicinal
use. For instance, Hydrocodone is a schedule II/III opiate derivative
prescribed by physicians for pain relief (Erowid.org). Furthermore,
hydrocodone can be addictive and is often abused. However,
hydrocodone is very important to medicine because it provides excellent
pain relief. As a result of its pain relieving properties hydrocodone is
recognized for medicinal use.
Most schedule I substances possess a very high potential for abuse. For
example, heroin is an extremely addictive, schedule I opiate that can lead
to very severe dependence (University of Oslo). The following experience
is a tragic occurrence that happens all too often. The user was thirteen,
and smoked heroin for the first time when some of his older brother’s
friends coerced him into it (Erowid.org). He described his experience as
flying to the moon and back. However, due to the pure euphoria the user
continued smoking heroin for the next four months which caused his
tolerance to soar. Since the user’s tolerance continually increased he
began injecting heroin intravenously, and continued doing so over the next
six years. Aspects of heroin abuse nearly claimed the user’s life, and did
claim the lives of many of his friends. Heroin abuse is hard to stop
because the withdrawal symptoms are torturous and the addict longs to
end them with another high. In fact, when users stop using heroin they
go through two stages, withdrawal and protracted abstinence syndrome
(PAS). The symptoms during withdrawal last seven to ten days and
involve nausea, tremors, craving, irritability, and loss of appetite (DEA).
Following withdrawal the addict goes through PAS which lasts at least
thirty-one weeks and involves abnormal blood pressure, pupil diameter,
pulse rate, body temperature, and feelings of depression (DrugLibrary.org).
Schedule I substances are potentially harmful when used under proper
medical supervision. For instance, 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a drug
that has very unpredictable side effects such as cardiac arrest, labored
breathing, pulmonary congestion, renal failure, convulsions, coma, and
death (DEA). Consequently, PMA is placed under schedule I because it is
too dangerous for use under medical supervision. In contrast, Diazepam is
a schedule IV substance that lacks dangerous side effects, and has very
little potential for harm when used under professional medical supervision
(Mentalhealth.com).
By classifying marijuana as a schedule I substance the DEA refuses to
accept its medicinal value. However, studies show that medicinal
marijuana can be used to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, pain,
epilepsy, glaucoma, bronchial asthma, and AIDS or cancer related eating
disorders (DrugText.org). Furthermore, nine states have laws that legalize
the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and thirty-five states have
legislation recognizing the medicinal potential for marijuana (Holland).
Dixie Romagno, a sufferer of multiple sclerosis who used marijuana to
alleviate associated symptoms reports “I put 1/8 of a gram into a water
pipe and inhale slowly, holding my breath for approximately ten seconds,
then exhale. Relief is nearly immediate. My muscles relax and I feel more
in control. This lasts for about two and a half hours.”
Marijuana does have potential for abuse, although the potential for abuse
is nothing near that of most other schedule I drugs. Furthermore, there is
no scientific agreement as to whether or not marijuana causes
dependency (Norml.org). The reasons for this disagreement include lack of
physical dependence and the difference of addiction between different
people. Most often, when a user stops consuming marijuana they
experience restlessness, irritability, and mild sleep disruption. However, it
is unknown to what degree the physiological or psychological dependence
affects these symptoms. Moreover, marijuana has less potential for abuse
than many substances on schedules II through V. For instance, a
commonly prescribed and abused group of substances known as
benzodiazepines can cause severe physical and psychological dependence
(DEA). The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines are similar to alcohol
and can cause seizures which lead to death. Compared with the addictive
nature of other controlled substances the potential to abuse marijuana is
low.
When marijuana was classified as a schedule I substance the
facts concerning its dangers and uses were very unclear. One notorious
study conducted by Dr. Robert Heath showed brain damage in rhesus
monkeys. However, because of a small sample size and extremely large
doses many researchers denied the validity of the experiment
(Erowid.org). Consequently, two recent studies using a greater number of
rhesus monkeys failed to duplicate the results of his experiment. Multiple
studies of marijuana have shown that there is little chance that marijuana
can cause permanent brain damage (Norml.org). The most damaging part
of marijuana is the smoke, for carcinogens are released when the plant
material is burnt (DEA). Therefore, smoking marijuana is very bad for a
person’s lungs and can cause premature cancer. However, eating
marijuana in the form of brownies or candies does not cause physical
damage or release carcinogens that are found in the smoke. Also,
according to the US National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse,
one third of a person’s bodyweight in marijuana must be consumed all at
once to overdose, so the toxicity of marijuana must be very low. In
contrast, the highly used drug known as aspirin is responsible for
hundreds of deaths due to overdose each year (Francis Young).
Scheduling marijuana as a schedule I substance is unwarranted because
marijuana does not fit the three criteria that define a schedule I
substance. When marijuana became a schedule I drug under the
Controlled Substance Act the misinformation about marijuana was very
prolific (DrugLibrary.org). Furthermore, new scientific findings contradict
the criteria that define marijuana as a schedule I substance, yet the DEA
continues to maintain that marijuana is a schedule I drug.
According to Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital (SCVHH) smoked,
crude marijuana is not a good medicine, and Marinol provides the same
medical benefits (DADS). Marinol is a schedule III substance that is made
from the main active ingredient in marijuana. Also, Marinol is consumed in
a tablet form so smoking is not involved. Also, the SCVHH contends that
studies showing the benefits of medicinal marijuana in glaucoma and
multiple sclerosis are inaccurate.
Marijuana does lack physiological dependence, yet is a very
insidious substance nonetheless. Many people who smoke marijuana find
they lack the power to quit. For instance, an acquaintance once said “I
just can’t seem to stop [smoking marijuana], it is too available, too
tempting, and all my friends do it.” Studies often fail to incorporate the
subtle social and emotional factors that make marijuana addiction
extremely hard to beat. Though the chemicals in marijuana may not be
very addictive the experience of getting high is. The feelings of euphoria,
nonchalance, and camaraderie that the addict shares with his friends are a
great reward for a small price. Consequently, the addict does not realize
he is becoming addicted, and before long the addict finds that it is
extremely hard to stop consuming marijuana.
Using marijuana only a few times can lead to other drug use (ONDCP).
This idea is known as the Gateway Theory. Studies show that people who
have used marijuana go on to use harder drugs. For example, if marijuana
were prescribed as a medication people would be introduced to the high,
and from this introduction people may wish to experiment with harder
substances. Consequently, prescribing a gateway drug to help treat an
ailment is not safe, for medical supervision will not be present if the patient
decides to experiment with harder more dangerous substances.
The potential for marijuana to be abused is present. Moreover, because of
the insidious way marijuana affects the psyche it is hard to not abuse.
Also, since marijuana is so frequently acquired and consumed people do
not recognize their problem and continue to abuse the substance.
Consequently, if marijuana were removed from schedule I it would be even
easier to acquire and abuse.
By definition, marijuana does not belong under schedule I.
However, there are many facets to the issue, for marijuana has potential
and danger in equal parts. While marijuana itself is a relatively safe
substance the paths to which abuse can lead are devastating. In
contrast, the medicinal values of marijuana show immense promise. The
proper classification of marijuana is debatable, for only time and future
research will place this substance where it belongs.
If you actually read this please tell me how you feel about it or if you noticed anything wrong with it. thanks!
