Why Is Marijuana Illegal In The United States?

In the United States, marijuana is illegal under federal law, which covers even states that legalize it. Under the scheduling system of the federal government, it’s a schedule 1 drug, meaning it’s deemed to have no medical value but with a high potential for abuse. Marijuana is in the same category as heroin and in a more restrictive classification than schedule 2 drugs such as cocaine.

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For nearly a century, there are different lines of reasoning used to argue for the criminalization of marijuana across the U.S., including the following. First, it’s perceived as addictive. Second, it is considered to have no medicinal use, and third, it has been historically linked with narcotics including heroin.

The 1906 Federal Food and Drug Act set the stage for the series of legislative acts on the substance – it didn’t actually restrict marijuana but instead expanded the federal government’s power regarding drugs. After three years, the Congress passed the Opium Exclusion Act. Twenty years later, the Food, Drug, and Insecticide Administration was formed. In 1930, its name was shortened to the FDA.

While many calls have been made to reschedule marijuana, there are serious hurdles along the way, mainly that there have been no large-scale clinical trials on the substance, which are traditionally needed to prove medical value to the federal government. It should be noted, however, that these clinical studies are much more difficult to undertake when a substance is strictly regulated as a schedule 1 drug.

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The barriers are in place to using marijuana medicinally with freedom, but debates around the marijuana policy rage on and are likely to continue doing so.

Adam Quirk is a private investigator who has had 15 years of experience working for both the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For more on Adam, visit this page.

The Watch List: Illegal Drugs Of 2016

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is vigilant about informing the public about dangerous drugs that are being sold in the country unlawfully. Here is a list of illegal drugs the public should be aware of:

1. Flakka (alpha-PVP)

Manufactured in China and sold in Florida for around $3 to$5, Flakka is a hazardous alternative to heroin. This drug takes the form of white or brown crystal-like powder originally used in cleaning jewelry, plant food, or device screen cleaner. People usually snort, swallow, smoke, or inject this drug, which can be 10 times stronger than cocaine. It can also cause anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, delirium, and violent behaviors.

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2. Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can come in the form of a harmless pain reliever. However, the rise in drug overdose leading to deaths in many parts in the U.S. has increased as it can be disguised as over-the-counter pain relievers such as Xanax, Norco, and Percocet. The drug can be harmful even when taken in small doses. It is also 25 to 50 times stronger than heroin. The public should stay away from pharmaceutical drugs being sold on the streets.

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3. Caffeine Powder

Used by young professionals and teens, this substance is usually taken to lose weight or stay awake during an all-nighter. However, a teaspoon of this powder is equivalent to 25 cups of coffee. Still unregulated by the FDA, the seizures, vomiting, disorientation, and increased palpitations caused by this substance could have fatal effects on a person.

These drugs are peddled in underground venues to unsuspecting youths. Parents, guardians, and law enforcers should be aware of these illegal substances to prevent the rise of casualties due to drug use.

Adam Quirk has more than 15 years of experience in investigations, regulatory compliance, team leadership and supervision, and program initiation and development. Read more about his expertise here.