Final answer:
The statement that marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States is true. Its legality is in flux, with many states legalizing or decriminalizing its use, although it remains a Schedule 1 drug federally.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States.
After decades of being illegal, marijuana has seen a significant shift in public opinion and policy. Originally unregulated, marijuana gained negative connotations in the early 20th century, leading to stringent laws against its use. Not until recent years have states begun to decriminalize or legalize marijuana, both for medicinal and recreational use.
Marijuana-related offenses have historically been the most numerous drug crime, as evidenced by FBI arrest data. However, as legalization trends sweep the nation, the number of arrests for marijuana production has declined. Legalization efforts highlight the changing perceptions of marijuana consumption in society. Where once marijuana use was stereotypically linked to laziness and immorality, recent legislative changes reflect a growing acceptance of the drug, at least in some form. Yet, despite this shift towards legalization in many states, under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule 1 drug, leading to complicated interplays between state and federal jurisdictions.