But while equating weed and smack is terrible science, the policy also has terrible consequences. Schedule I status prevents the federal government from directing money towards research on that drug—since, as the D.E.A. says, it has no medical purpose and that’s that—so for the last 46 years, anyone looking to study the actual effects of marijuana use has been on their own. Of course, a good way to never find a safe medical use for something is to prevent people from studying it.

“DEA’s decision flies in the face of objective science and overwhelming public opinion,” said National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith in a statement today. “The reality is that half of U.S. states have already passed effective laws allowing patients legal access to medical cannabis, and it is changing lives. Continuing marijuana prohibition forces critically ill people to suffer needlessly, leaves life-changing treatments undeveloped, and keeps patients and providers in limbo between state and federal laws.”

Read more: http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a47542/marjiuana-heroin-dea/