A comprehensive new study has cast doubt on the benefits of medical cannabis, revealing that the risks may outweigh the potential advantages for many patients. The report, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, an addiction psychiatrist at UCLA, found “insufficient evidence” to support many claims surrounding medical marijuana. As more individuals turn to cannabis for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and other health issues, the findings raise critical questions about public perceptions versus scientific reality.
The study highlights that while medical cannabis is legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia and is increasingly used by adults, its effectiveness for various medical conditions remains questionable. Dr. Hsu stated, “Patients deserve honest conversations about what the science does and doesn’t tell us about medical cannabis.”
In their review, Dr. Hsu and his colleagues analyzed over 2,500 scientific papers published from January 2010 to September 2025. They compared cannabis sold at dispensaries with FDA-approved medications containing THC (the psychoactive component) and CBD (the non-psychoactive counterpart). While the FDA-approved drugs have proven effective for conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and severe pediatric seizure disorders, the review found that many claims regarding medical cannabis lack substantial scientific backing.
Many users seek cannabis for acute pain relief, yet the study found no robust clinical evidence confirming its effectiveness. Current medical guidelines do not recommend cannabis-based treatments as a first-line option for pain management. Research on its efficacy for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, and rheumatoid arthritis was found to be weak or inconclusive.
The study also uncovered significant potential dangers associated with medical cannabis use. Long-term studies indicate that adolescents using high-potency cannabis have a higher incidence of psychotic symptoms, with 12.4% affected compared to 7.1% of those using lower-potency products. Furthermore, young users were more likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder, with 19.1% experiencing it versus 11.6% of their peers using weaker cannabis.
Adding to the complexity, about 29% of medical cannabis users meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder, which includes compulsive use and withdrawal symptoms. The risk of developing this condition is notably higher for individuals who start using cannabis before the age of 18, making them four to seven times more likely to develop dependence compared to adults.
The review also highlighted cardiovascular concerns. Daily use of medical cannabis, particularly high-potency or inhaled products, could increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease compared to occasional use. In light of these findings, Dr. Hsu and his team recommend that healthcare providers screen patients for cardiovascular diseases and psychotic disorders before prescribing THC-containing products.
“Clear guidance from clinicians is essential to support safe, evidence-based decision-making when discussing medical cannabis with their patients,” Dr. Hsu emphasized.
While the study acknowledged limitations, including its non-systematic review nature and the observational design of some studies, it highlighted the need for further research. More rigorous studies could clarify the potential benefits and risks associated with medical cannabis.
As the conversation around medical cannabis continues, speculation grows regarding potential changes in federal cannabis classification in the United States. Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside substances like heroin and LSD, but discussions suggest that it may be reclassified to Schedule III, which would recognize it as less dangerous and acceptable for medical use.
As the landscape of medical cannabis evolves, the implications of this study may significantly impact how patients and physicians approach treatment options.
