one of the only substances to have fatal withdrawal
implicated in numerous deaths (due to intoxication)
harms pregnancy
can cause heart issues, neurological issues, liver damage, etc.
not a scheduled DEA substance
Marijuana
none of the above (effects on pregnancy can include low birth weight and preterm labor - evidence is mixed. Certainly nothing close to the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome).
There is conflicting data on the outcome of marijuana with pregnancy around the effect on birth weight and potential for preterm labor. To be clear: marijuana is not recommended in pregnancy.
The point I was trying to draw was between fetal alcohol syndrome, which is potentially devastating and the evidence is conclusive.
Federal health dept. says marijuana should be downgraded to Schedule 3 drug (arstechnica.com)
If DEA accepts HHS's rescheduling recommendation, it could ease marijuana access.