Nine years after cannabis supporters asked the U.S. government to reclassify marijuana, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ruled that marijuana has no accepted medical use and should remain classified as a highly dangerous and addictive drug on the level of heroin, the Los Angeles Times reports. Marijuana advocates can now appeal the ruling to the federal courts, where they hope to make their case based on worldwide medical evidence showing its effectiveness in treating certain diseases and ailments such as neuropathic pain. Sixteen states including the District of Columbia have approved the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

To read the Times story, click here.