Marijuana Use Surges, Raising Addiction and Health Concerns

New York Times Editorial Board calls for federal action to address rising marijuana abuse

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Coinciding with a surge of legalization for recreational purposes in many states, addiction to marijuana has risen, and so have a slew of other issues like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The New York Times Editorial Board is now calling for a middle-ground approach to reducing marijuana abuse nationwide, involving both the federal government and states.

Why it matters

As marijuana use has increased dramatically in recent years, public health experts are growing concerned about the rise in addiction and other negative health consequences. Addressing this issue will require a balanced approach that considers both personal freedom and public health.

The details

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, marijuana use has risen by over 65% between 2015 and 2024. Rates of Substance Use Disorder involving marijuana have risen 3.7 times higher in that span, and now, approximately 30% of users have a disorder. Another problem is the rise of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a gastrointestinal condition that stems from frequent and long-term use of marijuana, which is estimated to affect approximately 2.75 million people per year in the U.S., with hospital visits for the condition doubling between 2017 and 2021.

  • Marijuana use has risen by over 65% between 2015 and 2024.
  • Rates of Substance Use Disorder involving marijuana have risen 3.7 times higher between 2015 and 2024.
  • Hospital visits for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome doubled between 2017 and 2021.

The players

New York Times Editorial Board

The editorial board of the New York Times newspaper, which has long supported marijuana legalization but is now calling for a more balanced approach to address rising addiction and health issues.

National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics

A research organization that tracks data on drug use and addiction in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“It's Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem”

— New York Times Editorial Board (New York Times)

What’s next

The New York Times Editorial Board suggests that the federal government should implement a tax on marijuana and raise all state taxes to levels that would more impactfully deter use, as well as set limits on THC potency allowed for purchase. The government should also issue clear warnings to medical marijuana dispensaries that make false claims about cures.

The takeaway

As marijuana use has surged in recent years, public health experts are increasingly concerned about the rise in addiction and other negative health consequences. Addressing this issue will require a balanced approach from both federal and state governments, including taxation, potency limits, and clearer regulation of the medical marijuana industry.