This section of the petition reviews recent data on the history and pattern of use of marijuana in the United States. While extensive data on the prevalence of marijuana use in the U.S. is available for analysis and discourse, considerable attempts have been made by officials of the U.S. government to misinterpret this data of evidence of widespread marijuana abuse. American adults use marijuana as a mild recreational intoxicant, and as a safe alternative to alcohol or cocaine. The popularity of marijuana is mentioned at the beginning of almost every journal article reporting on marijuana-related research. The persistence of marijuana's popularity in defiance of marijuana's 25 year old schedule I status is a testament to the failure of marijuana prohibition.