Why Is Washington Afraid of Weed?

Last week, the DEA once again labeled marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which makes the LA Times to wonder in an editorial: “What makes marijuana more frightening to the federal government than cocaine or morphine?” Those drugs are considered Schedule II, meaning they have some medical value, whereas marijuana’s Schedule I categorization means it has none. It’s true, there’s not enough evidence of cannabis’ medical value. “But whose fault is that?” the paper asks in an editorial.

“The biggest reason there is so little proof … is that the federal government is paranoid about legitimate research on the drug.” Only the National Institute on Drug Abuse has research-grade samples, and it uses them entirely to explore its addictive properties, not its medical ones. “Our prescription is for better knowledge,” the paper concludes. “Then our nation can base its marijuana policy on information, not on entrenched fears.” (One pro-pot group plans to fight the DEA ruling in court, notes ABC News.)