Health Experts Warn Marijuana Legalization Has Led to 'Worse Outcomes'

The New York Times editorial board acknowledges legalization may have gone too far, citing addiction, mental health risks, and rising THC levels.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a new op-ed, The New York Times editorial board has changed course on its longtime support for marijuana legalization, acknowledging that it may have gone too far. The board cited addiction, mental health risks, and rising THC levels as major concerns, with health experts warning of 'worse outcomes' from legalization. The piece calls for stricter regulations, including imposing a federal tax, restricting high-potency products, and cracking down on false medical claims.

Why it matters

The shift in the Times' stance reflects growing concerns among health professionals about the public health impacts of widespread marijuana use, particularly the rise in addiction, psychotic disorders, and other mental health issues. As more states have legalized marijuana, experts warn that the benefits have been outweighed by the negative consequences, prompting calls for a more balanced approach to regulation.

The details

The Times editorial cited a 2024 survey from Carnegie Mellon University that found approximately 18 million Americans use marijuana daily or near-daily, a 'deeply disturbing number' according to Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst. This represents a significant increase from the past, with daily marijuana use becoming about 15 times more common between 1992 and 2022. Experts warn that different forms of cannabis, such as edibles and concentrates, carry different health risks, including addiction, psychosis, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The editorial board acknowledged that while marijuana should not be re-criminalized, stricter regulations are needed, including federal taxes, limits on high-potency products, and cracking down on unsubstantiated medical claims.

  • Between 1992 and 2022, daily marijuana use became about 15 times more common.
  • A 2024 survey from Carnegie Mellon University found approximately 18 million Americans used marijuana daily or near-daily.

The players

The New York Times

The prominent American newspaper that has published an editorial acknowledging that marijuana legalization may have gone too far, citing health concerns.

Dr. Marc Siegel

A Fox News senior medical analyst who described the 18 million daily or near-daily marijuana users as a 'deeply disturbing number'.

Jonathan Caulkins

A cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University who led the study on increasing marijuana use.

Dr. Laura Gardner

A psychiatrist and director of the Psychotic Disorders Program at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut, who has witnessed the impact of heavy cannabis use on young adults developing psychotic disorders.

Riana Durrett

The director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who agrees the federal government should reform its approach to cannabis legalization.

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What they’re saying

“Cannabis is definitely addictive — the brain is affected, leading directly to addiction. It also interferes with performance and memory.”

— Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst (Fox News)

“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.”

— Dr. Laura Gardner, Psychiatrist and director of the Psychotic Disorders Program at Silver Hill Hospital (Fox News)

“Ending legalization will not work — but using the tax dollars to educate the public on the realities of cannabis consumption can clear up misconceptions about health impacts.”

— Riana Durrett, Director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Fox News)

What’s next

The editorial board suggested that the federal government should impose a tax on marijuana and restrict the most harmful forms of the drug, such as those with THC levels exceeding 60%. They also called for cracking down on false medical claims about the benefits of marijuana.

The takeaway

The shift in The New York Times' stance on marijuana legalization highlights the growing concerns among health experts about the public health consequences of widespread cannabis use, particularly the rise in addiction, mental health issues, and other negative outcomes. As more states have legalized marijuana, the potential benefits have been outweighed by the risks, prompting calls for a more balanced and regulated approach to cannabis policy.