Major Study Uncovers Risks of Medical Cannabis Outweighing Benefits

A new comprehensive study has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness and safety of medical cannabis. The research found “insufficient evidence” to support many claimed benefits of medical marijuana, revealing serious risks that may outweigh its advantages. Dr. Michael Hsu, an addiction psychiatrist at UCLA and the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of transparency in discussions about medical cannabis, stating, “Patients deserve honest conversations about what the science does and doesn’t tell us about medical cannabis.”

As medical cannabis gains traction in the United States, now legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia, many individuals are looking to it for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. According to recent surveys, nearly 90% of US adults support its use when prescribed by a doctor. Despite this widespread acceptance, the study highlights a disconnect between public perception and scientific evidence concerning its effectiveness for various medical conditions.

Key Findings from the Research

The study, which analyzed over 2,500 scientific papers published between January 2010 and September 2025, compared products available at dispensaries with FDA-approved medications that contain either THC, a psychoactive compound, or CBD, which is non-psychoactive. While the research confirmed that certain pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids effectively treat chemotherapy-induced nausea, appetite loss in patients with HIV/AIDS, and severe pediatric seizure disorders, the benefits of medical cannabis for other conditions appeared limited.

Dr. Hsu and his colleagues found a lack of substantial clinical evidence supporting the use of medical cannabis for acute pain management, with current guidelines not recommending cannabis-based treatments as a first-line option. Additionally, the research regarding its effectiveness for insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis was categorized as weak or inconclusive.

Health Risks Associated with Medical Cannabis

The study also underscored several potential dangers of cannabis use, particularly among adolescents. Long-term studies indicated that young users of high-potency cannabis experience a higher incidence of psychotic symptoms, with 12.4% affected compared to 7.1% of those using lower-potency products. The findings revealed that 19.1% of adolescents using high-potency cannabis developed generalized anxiety disorder, versus 11.6% of their peers.

Furthermore, approximately 29% of medical cannabis users meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder, characterized by a compulsive urge to use cannabis, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. This risk is notably higher for individuals who begin using cannabis before the age of 18, being four to seven times more likely to develop dependence than adults.

Daily use of medical cannabis, especially inhaled or high-potency forms, has been associated with increased cardiovascular risks, including heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. In light of these findings, Dr. Hsu and his team recommend that healthcare providers screen patients for cardiovascular issues and psychiatric disorders before considering THC-containing products.

Call for Further Research and Regulatory Changes

The researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, including the absence of a systematic review and formal risk-of-bias assessments. They noted that some research was observational and could have been affected by confounding factors. The variability in study designs, cannabis products tested, and participant characteristics means that findings may not apply universally.

Dr. Hsu emphasized the necessity of further research to gain a clearer understanding of the benefits and risks associated with medical cannabis. “By supporting more rigorous studies, we can provide clearer guidance and improve clinical care for patients,” he stated.

These findings come at a time when speculation is growing regarding potential changes to cannabis classification under federal law. Currently, cannabis is listed as a Schedule I drug, considered as dangerous as heroin and LSD. Reports indicate that there may soon be a shift to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III, which would recognize it as less hazardous and more acceptable for medical use. This potential change could significantly impact the cannabis market, with stocks reportedly surging amid these discussions.

As the medical community grapples with these findings, the conversation around medical cannabis must evolve to ensure that patients receive safe, evidence-based care.