I think they categorize it as a drug because it is possible to die from it.
A ‘drug’ is categorized as anything that effects the way the mind or body works. That is the most simplistic, dumbed down definition I can find, and lets all take a moment to thanks D.A.R.E. for it. Under your ridiculous definition sharks, drinking anything with ice in it, walking across the street, driving while too tired, or being near anything sharp would be considered a drug because you might die from it. Don’t be absurd.

Everyone has different reactions to everything, so some people might just die from smoking one joint of marijuana (dramatic, I know).
It is dramatic to the point of being ridiculous. In the history of mankind there has never been a documented case of someone dying of smoking too much marijuana. There are anecdotal stories about people smoking and then walking into traffic (or off a bridge or whatever) but the pot isn’t what killed them. Marijuana, even in its strongest form, does not have the power to kill a healthy person. (Even people with severe respiratory diseases have an infinitesimally small chance of dying from one joint.)


There aren't masses of people being killed or dying from a marijuana cause because it is illegal.
Ignorance truly must be bliss. There aren’t masses of people being killed or dying from marijuana because it isn’t lethal. In spite of it being illegal plenty of people worldwide smoke pot. A lot of them smoke pot habitually. Still, there isn’t a single documented case of a lethal amount of marijuana use. Not even one.

Maybe the logic shouldn't be that since drinking is legal, so should smoking. Maybe it should be more like since smoking is illegal and drinking is more dangerous that smoking, drinking should also be illegal (oops...back to the amendments).
Spoken like a true republican; Let’s have less rights and more government infringement on my personal freedoms! Hooray! It’s the end of personal liberty! Deck the halls with mass oppression.

Smoking, like drinking, is a personal choice. It is my body and I ought to be able to do with it as I please. So long as I am a responsible adult with a sound mind the decision should be mine and not yours or your close minded, bible thumping, southern brethren.

If you’re going to assume that everyone who smokes is going to kill someone while high then you have to also assume that the same will be true of any mind altering substance. Should the government now tell people they can’t take anti depressants? And what governmental body will enforce this new dictatorial law?

I’m reminded of something an English teacher once told one of my fellow students after he said African Americans shouldn’t be allowed to vote; “The next time you pass my house I’ll sure appreciate it.”