Final answer:
The Controlled Substances Act has five drug schedules, with Schedule I including substances like marijuana. Some states have legalized marijuana despite it being a Schedule I drug under federal law, leading to inconsistencies between state and federal legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), passed in 1970, categorizes drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used in the manufacture of drugs into five distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. The Act lists a total of five schedules. Schedule I substances are seen as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, which includes drugs like marijuana, as per federal classification. Despite its Schedule I status at the federal level, some states have passed laws legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, creating a conflict between state and federal policies. The federal government has generally indicated that it will not intervene in states which have decided to relax their marijuana laws.