FDA reiterates stance against medical marijuana

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) again rejected the use of marijuana for medical purposes in a statement released April 20, saying there are “alternative FDA-approved medications in existence for treatment of many of the proposed uses of smoked marijuana.” Numerous inquiries from Congress prompted the statement, which officials say clarifies the federal government’s intention to continue enforcing laws against marijuana. The FDA, in bolstering its long-held position, said marijuana meets the three criteria for placement on Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act — the most restrictive classification of drugs. “Marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and has a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision,” the statement said. “Furthermore, there is currently sound evidence that smoked marijuana is harmful.”