On which schedule is marijuana currently categorized?

Marijuana is currently categorized as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. Schedule I drugs are characterized as having a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. This classification has significant implications for research, legal status, and access to marijuana for therapeutic purposes.

Despite many states legalizing marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, its federal classification as a Schedule I substance remains unchanged. This creates a complex legal landscape where state laws can differ significantly from federal laws. Additionally, the Schedule I designation restricts the ability for researchers to study marijuana’s potential benefits and harms compared to substances in lower schedules, such as Schedule II or III, which are recognized to have some accepted medical uses albeit with restrictions. The classification reflects broader societal debates around drug policy, public health, and legal regulation.