A review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by researchers from prominent universities has concluded that evidence from randomized clinical trials does not support the efficacy of cannabis or cannabinoids for many conditions, including acute pain and insomnia. This challenges the long-held belief that medical marijuana serves as a viable treatment option.

The study found that daily marijuana use more than doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke, while high-potency THC is linked to increased risks of psychosis and anxiety disorders. Additionally, nearly 30% of individuals using medical marijuana met the criteria for cannabis use disorder, indicating a significant potential for addiction, compared to 3% to 12% for those using opioids medically.

The authors emphasize that while some FDA-approved medications contain cannabinoids, the raw cannabis plant is not classified as medicine. Products sold at medical marijuana dispensaries lack the regulatory oversight typical of pharmaceuticals, leading to concerns about inconsistent dosing, safety testing, and product verification.

Previous studies have associated marijuana use with vascular damage, heart attacks, and increased crime rates in urban areas. A 2025 study indicated that marijuana users are 51% more likely to experience heart attacks than non-users, and a European study found a fourfold increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes among marijuana users.

Despite these findings, 38 states and the District of Columbia permit medical marijuana recommendations, often driven by corporate interests and a reluctance to address the scientific evidence. For instance, in Pennsylvania, a small number of doctors issued a disproportionate number of medical marijuana certifications in 2022, raising concerns about the normalization of marijuana use and its potential social consequences.

Research has also linked marijuana use to increased rates of violence and crime, particularly among younger men. A 2024 study found a strong correlation between legalized recreational marijuana and rises in violent crime, including murder and property crime. In New York, post-legalization data indicated a rise in marijuana consumption and related emergency room visits, alongside a flourishing illegal market.

While advocates argue that marijuana legalization benefits marginalized communities, data from Harvard and Columbia researchers suggest that poorer, less-white neighborhoods are more likely to host marijuana dispensaries, potentially exacerbating existing social inequities.

In summary, the claims supporting the legalization of marijuana, both medical and recreational, warrant critical examination. The current trajectory of marijuana policy raises significant public health concerns, necessitating a reevaluation of corporate influence in the marijuana industry and its implications for community well-being.