Concerns Over Medical Cannabis Emerge
The optimism surrounding medical cannabis has significantly waned.
A recent report indicates that there is “insufficient evidence” to validate many of the claimed benefits while highlighting potential risks that haven’t been fully acknowledged.
Dr. Michael Hsu states, “Patients should engage in open discussions about what the science reveals and what it fails to convey regarding medical cannabis.” The lead author, who is an addiction psychiatrist at UCLA, noted, “We’ve seen a lot of research,” in a statement.
Research shows that approximately 27% of adults in the U.S. and Canada have tried medical marijuana.
This information arrives at a time when more Americans are using marijuana to cope with chronic pain, sleep issues, anxiety, and other health challenges.
Currently, medical marijuana is legal in 40 states along with Washington, D.C. Nearly 90% of adults in the U.S. support its use if it’s prescribed by a physician.
“Many people seek cannabis for relief, but our study reveals a significant disconnect between public perception and actual scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness for various medical issues,” Hsu explained.
In this extensive review, Hsu and his team evaluated over 2,500 studies published from January 2010 to September 2025.
The analysis contrasted medical marijuana available at pharmacies with a limited selection of FDA-approved products containing pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids—THC, which is psychoactive, and CBD, which doesn’t induce a high.
Some of these drugs have proven effective for conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea, stimulating weight gain in patients with HIV/AIDS-related anorexia, and easing severe seizure disorders in children.
However, the scientifically backed benefits of medical marijuana seem to fall short of the widespread expectations.
Despite many users seeking it for immediate pain relief, the study found little solid clinical evidence supporting its efficacy. Current medical guidelines typically do not endorse cannabis-based treatments as a primary method for pain management.
The research also indicated that studies focusing on medical marijuana for issues like insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis remain weak or, at best, inconclusive.
On the other hand, the potential risks appear clearer. Long-term studies suggest that younger people using high-potency cannabis are more likely to experience psychotic symptoms—12.4% of these adolescents reported such issues, compared to 7.1% using lower-potency varieties.
Additionally, the chances of developing generalized anxiety disorder were higher among this group, with 19.1% affected, versus 11.6% among peers using less potent cannabis.
Interestingly, around 29% of medical marijuana users meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder, a complex condition marked by strong urges, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
This kind of disorder mainly involves THC-containing products. Those who start using marijuana before 18 are particularly at risk, being four to seven times more likely to become dependent compared to adults.
The review found that daily consumption of medical cannabis—especially high-potency or inhaled forms—could elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery conditions.
Based on these findings, Hsu and his team recommend that doctors screen for cardiovascular and psychiatric conditions before suggesting THC products.
The researchers emphasized that healthcare providers should carefully assess drug interactions and weigh both risks and benefits before prescribing medical cannabis.
“It’s crucial to provide clear guidance to help patients make informed decisions about medical cannabis,” said Hsu.
They did note some limitations in their study—acknowledging it wasn’t a systematic review and lacked a formal bias assessment. Many studies evaluated were observational and could have been affected by various confounding factors. Therefore, the findings may not necessarily be applicable to all patients.
“More research is essential to grasp the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis fully,” Hsu stated. “By fostering more rigorous studies, we can enhance guidance and improve patient care.”
The report comes as speculation grows about President Trump potentially reclassifying marijuana at the federal level.
While it’s currently categorized as a Schedule I drug—on the same list as heroin and LSD—this could see a change soon. Recent reports suggest that marijuana stocks surged as indications arose that Trump might downgrade its status to Schedule III, making it less restricted and more permissible for medical use.
