The New York Times published an editorial on Tuesday reversing its longtime support for marijuana legalization, stating that the U.S. “has recently gone too far in accepting and even promoting its use.” This marks a significant shift from the publication’s 2014 editorial, which called for the federal marijuana ban to be repealed, arguing that “prohibition has proved to be a costly failure.”
The Times now acknowledges that many of its predictions about legalization were incorrect and that the drug’s use has become far more widespread than anticipated. A 2024 survey from Carnegie Mellon found that approximately 18 million Americans used marijuana daily or near-daily—described by Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, as “a deeply disturbing number.” By comparison, 14.7 million people are daily or near-daily drinkers. Between 1992 and 2022, daily marijuana use became about 15 times more common, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Cannabis use has led to serious mental health consequences. Dr. Laura Gardner, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychotic Disorders Program at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut, stated: “As a psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of psychotic and mood disorders, I have witnessed the devastating impact that heavy use of high-potency cannabis can have on a subset of vulnerable young adults who develop severe and persistent psychotic disorders.” Cannabis use disorder is linked to increased risk of both bipolar disorder and depression. Peer-reviewed studies have also found that cannabis users are more likely to develop paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders. At least one in ten frequent cannabis users develop an addiction, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The Times editorial recommended stricter regulations rather than re-criminalization, including imposing federal taxes, restricting the most harmful forms of marijuana, and cracking down on false medical claims. The publication noted that “today’s cannabis is far more potent than the pot that preceded legalization,” with THC concentration in U.S. cannabis rising from approximately 4% in 1995 to 12% in 2014. In modern state-regulated markets, lower-potency THC now averages around 20%, with ultra-high potency concentrates reaching levels as high as 90% to 95%.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.foxnews.com/health/big-mistake-legalize-marijuana-health-experts-warn-worse-outcomes