Bombshell Research Questions Effectiveness of Medicinal Marijuana While Highlighting Serious Health Risks

Just as medical cannabis was gaining a foothold in mainstream healthcare, a new study has raised concerns that could complicate its path forward.

What many see as a safe and natural remedy, researchers now warn, may carry risks that have been underestimated — and the issue comes at a moment when federal policy could be shifting.

A recent analysis led by Dr. Michael Hsu, an addiction psychiatrist at UCLA, challenges the prevailing view of cannabis as a broadly safe therapeutic option.

The research suggests that while certain medical applications of cannabis are supported by evidence, widespread use carries potential dangers that both patients and clinicians should not ignore.

“Patients deserve clear and honest guidance about what the science does — and does not — show regarding medical cannabis,” Hsu told the New York Post. “Public perception has outpaced the data, and that can create real harm.”

Limited Benefits, Significant Gaps

Medical cannabis is now legal in 40 states plus Washington, D.C., and surveys show strong public support, with nearly 90% of adults favoring doctor-supervised use. Many turn to it for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and neurological disorders.

However, Hsu’s team reviewed over 2,500 studies published from 2010 through September 2025 and found that the strongest evidence exists primarily for FDA-approved cannabinoid medications — specifically for chemotherapy-related nausea, HIV/AIDS-related appetite loss, and select pediatric seizure disorders.

Evidence supporting cannabis for acute pain, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis remains weak or inconclusive. Current medical guidelines do not recommend cannabis as a first-line treatment for pain or other common conditions.

Emerging Risks

While potential benefits are limited, the dangers are clearer. Long-term studies suggest that adolescents using high-potency cannabis are at increased risk for psychotic symptoms (12.4% vs. 7.1% for low-potency users) and generalized anxiety disorder (19.1% vs. 11.6%).

Approximately 29% of medical cannabis users meet criteria for cannabis use disorder, which includes compulsive use, tolerance, and withdrawal. Risks are especially pronounced among individuals who start using THC-containing products before age 18, where rates can be four to seven times higher.

Daily or high-potency use has also been linked to cardiovascular issues, including heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease, underscoring the need for careful medical oversight.

Guidance for Clinicians

Hsu and his colleagues recommend that doctors screen for cardiovascular risk and psychotic disorders before prescribing THC-based treatments. Clinicians should weigh potential benefits against risks and consider drug interactions. “Evidence-based guidance is essential to help patients make informed decisions,” Hsu said.

The researchers acknowledge limitations in their analysis, including reliance on observational data, variation in cannabis products and study design, and the absence of a formal risk-of-bias assessment. They stress the need for more rigorous research to provide definitive guidance.

Policy Context

These findings arrive amid discussions that President Donald Trump may consider reclassifying cannabis under federal law. Currently listed as a Schedule I substance alongside heroin and LSD, cannabis could be shifted to Schedule III, reflecting its accepted medical use while acknowledging lower perceived danger.

Conclusion

This study underscores that medical cannabis, despite widespread popularity, is not risk-free. Patients and healthcare providers must approach its use with careful consideration, weighing benefits against documented harms. As federal regulations evolve, honest discussion, thorough evaluation, and continued research will be essential to ensure safe and effective use of medicinal marijuana.