New Study Questions Benefits of Medical Cannabis, Highlights Risks

A comprehensive study examining the effectiveness of medical cannabis has raised significant concerns about its benefits and potential risks. Conducted by a team led by Dr. Michael Hsu, an addiction psychiatrist at UCLA, the report found “insufficient evidence” to support many of the purported advantages of medical cannabis. This revelation comes at a time when reliance on marijuana for chronic pain, anxiety, and other health issues is growing across the United States, where medical cannabis is legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

In a statement, Dr. Hsu emphasized the need for transparent discussions regarding the scientific evidence surrounding medical cannabis. “Patients deserve honest conversations about what the science does and doesn’t tell us about medical cannabis,” he said. The study, which analyzed over 2,500 scientific papers published between January 2010 and September 2025, highlights significant discrepancies between public perception and the actual clinical data supporting the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Research Findings on Efficacy and Risks

The research team compared medical cannabis available in dispensaries with pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids, including FDA-approved products containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While these approved medications have demonstrated effectiveness in treating conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, weight loss in patients with HIV/AIDS, and severe pediatric seizure disorders, the study found that the benefits of medical cannabis did not align with widespread public expectations.

Despite many users seeking relief for acute pain, the study revealed no solid clinical evidence supporting cannabis as an effective treatment for this condition. Current medical guidelines do not endorse cannabis-based therapies as a first-line option for pain management. Additionally, research regarding medical cannabis for insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis was found to be weak or inconclusive.

On the other hand, the study highlighted clear risks associated with medical cannabis usage. Long-term research indicates that adolescents using high-potency cannabis experience higher rates of psychotic symptoms—12.4% of those using high-potency products compared to 7.1% of those using low-potency products. Furthermore, the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was significantly higher among young users of stronger cannabis, with 19.1% affected versus 11.6% of their peers using lower potency cannabis.

The study also noted that approximately 29% of medical cannabis users meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder. This condition is characterized by a strong compulsion to use cannabis, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Individuals who begin using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop dependence compared to adults.

Guidance for Healthcare Providers

The findings prompted Dr. Hsu and his colleagues to recommend that healthcare providers screen patients for cardiovascular disease and psychotic disorders prior to prescribing THC-containing products. They urged physicians to consider possible drug interactions and weigh the potential harms against benefits when discussing medical cannabis with patients. “Clear guidance from clinicians is essential to support safe, evidence-based decision-making when discussing medical cannabis with their patients,” Dr. Hsu stated.

The research team acknowledged limitations in their study, noting that it did not undergo a formal risk-of-bias assessment and that some findings were based on observational data which could have been influenced by various factors. They pointed out that the results may not apply universally due to differences in study designs, cannabis products tested, and participant characteristics.

“Further research is crucial to better understand the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis,” Dr. Hsu added. “By supporting more rigorous studies, we can provide clearer guidance and improve clinical care for patients.”

As discussions around cannabis regulation intensify, speculation has arisen regarding potential changes to its legal status. Currently classified as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin and LSD, cannabis may soon be reclassified under federal law. Reports indicate that President Trump is considering moving cannabis to Schedule III, a shift that would acknowledge its medical use and reduce its perceived danger.

In the financial realm, cannabis stocks surged as news of possible reclassification circulated, reflecting growing investor interest in the evolving cannabis market.