NYT Editorial Calls for New Curbs on Legal Marijuana

Board says regulations needed as pot use surges beyond expectations

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The New York Times editorial board, which previously advocated for marijuana legalization, is now calling for new restrictions on the legal cannabis industry. The board argues that more than a decade of evidence shows regulations are needed, as marijuana use has spiked to 18 million daily users, up from 6 million in 2012, leading to a rise in addiction and other health issues that were not anticipated by legalization advocates.

Why it matters

The NYT editorial board's shift in position on marijuana policy reflects growing concerns about the public health impacts of widespread legalization and commercialization of the drug. As more states have legalized cannabis, policymakers are grappling with how to balance individual freedoms with public health and safety considerations.

The details

The editorial suggests the board is not calling for a return to marijuana prohibition, but rather for a reining in of some of the excesses under the current 'legalize and regulate' approach. The board argues the negatives of legalization, including a spike in addiction and other health issues, have been greater than advocates predicted.

  • Marijuana use has surged from 6 million daily users in 2012 to 18 million in 2026.

The players

New York Times Editorial Board

The editorial board of the New York Times newspaper, which previously advocated for marijuana legalization but is now calling for new restrictions on the legal cannabis industry.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear, the board is not calling for a return to the days when pot was illegal in all forms, but the editorial suggests it's time to rein in some of the excesses under the approach known as 'legalize and regulate.'”

— New York Times Editorial Board (newser.com)

The takeaway

The New York Times' shift in position on marijuana policy reflects growing concerns about the public health impacts of widespread legalization and commercialization of the drug, and the need for policymakers to balance individual freedoms with public health and safety considerations.