A comprehensive new study challenges the assumptions surrounding medical cannabis, revealing significant risks that may outweigh its purported benefits. The research, led by Dr. Michael Hsu of UCLA, concludes that there is “insufficient evidence” to support many of the health claims associated with medical marijuana. This report comes at a time when reliance on cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep issues is increasing across the United States, where 40 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized its medical use.
The study analyzed over 2,500 scientific papers published between January 2010 and September 2025. The findings indicate a considerable gap between public perception and the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of medical cannabis. “Patients deserve honest conversations about what the science does and doesn’t tell us about medical cannabis,” Dr. Hsu stated.
Key Findings from the Review
Despite the growing popularity of medical cannabis, the review highlights a lack of solid evidence supporting its use for many medical conditions. While FDA-approved medications containing either THC or CBD have demonstrated clear benefits for conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and severe pediatric seizure disorders, the same cannot be said for general medical cannabis use.
Dr. Hsu and his team found that over half of users seek relief for acute pain; however, there is no substantial clinical evidence that medical cannabis effectively addresses this condition. Current guidelines do not endorse cannabis-based treatments as a first-line option for pain management. The research further indicated that studies regarding medical cannabis for insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are either weak or inconclusive.
Potential Risks of Medical Cannabis Use
The study also raised alarm about the risks associated with long-term cannabis use. High-potency cannabis products have been linked to increased rates of psychotic symptoms, affecting approximately 12.4% of adolescents using these products compared to 7.1% of those using lower-potency options. Additionally, adolescents using high-potency cannabis were more likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder, with rates of 19.1% compared to 11.6% among their peers.
Another significant concern is the prevalence of cannabis use disorder, with about 29% of medical cannabis users meeting the criteria for this complex psychiatric condition. Individuals who begin using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a dependence. The review also suggested that daily use of medical cannabis, particularly inhaled or high-potency products, may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes.
Given these findings, Dr. Hsu and his colleagues recommend that healthcare providers screen patients for cardiovascular disease and psychotic disorders before considering THC-containing products. They emphasized the need for clinicians to weigh potential harms against benefits when prescribing medical cannabis. “Clear guidance from clinicians is essential to support safe, evidence-based decision-making when discussing medical cannabis with their patients,” Dr. Hsu noted.
The researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, including that it was not a systematic review and did not include a formal risk-of-bias assessment. They highlighted the need for further research to better understand the complex benefits and risks associated with medical cannabis.
As discussions surrounding cannabis continue to evolve, there is speculation that federal policies may shift. Reports suggest that President Trump may soon consider reclassifying cannabis under federal law. Currently, cannabis remains a Schedule I substance, alongside drugs like heroin and LSD. A potential reclassification to Schedule III would acknowledge marijuana as less dangerous and acceptable for medical use, which could significantly impact the cannabis market.
Amid this backdrop, cannabis stocks experienced a surge in value, reflecting optimism about the changing legal landscape. The study emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific research to inform safe medical practices and enhance patient care in the realm of medical cannabis.
