To truly understand why marijuana should be legalized by the federal government, one must have some basic knowledge of this medicinal plant. Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, originated in China for purely medical purposes. The plant later spread to India, Europe, and ultimately North America. Cannabis was first used in the form of hemp rope and fabric, and in the 18th century, marijuana began to be recognized and used in the pharmaceutical industry. However, marijuana became illegal just a century later. Regarding the legal status of marijuana today, "the federal Controlled Substances Act has classified marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it has both a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use” (Hastings Center Report). However, several clinical studies and doctors who have obtained a Ph.D. have argued that marijuana actually provides exceptional relief by easing the symptoms of many illnesses. Marijuana should be legalized by the federal government because this herbal remedy helps relieve many symptoms of life-threatening illnesses, is not addictive and relatively safe, and even generates innovative new ideas in the brain. For starters, marijuana is much safer. than other drugs, both pharmaceutical and recreational. The Marijuana Medical Handbook, written by doctors, states that "unlike other psychoactive drugs, including alcohol, aspirin, opiates, nicotine and caffeine, cannabis is not known to cause overdoses fatal” (1). Cigarettes alone kill millions of people each year, and alcohol is often a leading cause of death. Caffeine is found in countless drinks and is highly addictive. People commonly experience caffeine withdrawal headaches due to the significant decrease in their body's activity middle of paper. Marijuana should be legalized by the federal government because of its extraordinary healing properties, its abnormal level of safety for users, and its potential to create a more open-minded and creative society. Works Cited Ault, Alicia. “Institute of Medicine Says Marijuana Has Benefits.” Lancet 353.9158 (1999): 1077. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. Internet. April 26, 2014.Earleywine, Mitchell. Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002: 167. Electronic Book Collection (EBSCO host). Internet. April 26, 2014. Gieringer, Dale Rosenthal, Ed Carter, Gregory T. Marijuana Medical Handbook: A Practical Guide to the Therapeutic Uses of Marijuana. Fast Trading Company, 2008: 1.37. (RSCC Library). Internet. April 26, 2014. Hastings Center Report, Vol. 39, No. 6. November-December 2009. (JSTOR).Web. April 26 2014.