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Comment by nanidin | Hacker News Reader

Schedule 1 also requires that there is no medical use for the drug, which IIRC ethanol is an effective treatment for someone who has consumed methanol.

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> Schedule 1 also requires that there is no medical use for the drug

Technically yes, but that didn't stop marijuana from being schedule 1. Actually, isn't it still schedule 1 in the US?

"accepted medical use" is the actual phrasing I believe. But yes, it's definitely not based on actual medicine, moreso on the whims of the DEA and lawmakers.

"Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote."

https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

The key phrase is "currently accepted medical use". That is an arbitrary definition that is set by the regulator. A drug must have a medical use that is accepted by the DEA who defers to the FDA for such definitions.

And Adderall aka amphetamine is prescribed for ADHD.

Google says amphetamines are schedule II, so that's in line with your statement.

As well as pure dextroamphetamine, which I take.

Hell, even meth can be prescribed by a doctor; I believe the brand for it's called Desoxyn and it's usually prescribed for severe overeating disorders, not usually ADHD.

It can also be used to treat benzodiazapine withdrawal.

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