The New York Times has done a U-turn on drug legalization: “This editorial board has long supported marijuana legalization… At the time, supporters of legalization predicted that it would bring few downsides… It is now clear that many of these predictions were wrong… This wider use has caused a rise in addiction and other problems”.
Abridged from the Editorial Board of the New York Times…
“The unfortunate truth is that the loosening of marijuana policies – especially the decision to legalize pot without adequately regulating it – has led to worse outcomes than many Americans expected. It is time to acknowledge reality and change course.”
“This editorial board has long supported marijuana legalization. In 2014, we published a six-part series that compared the federal marijuana ban to alcohol prohibition and argued for repeal. Much of what we wrote then holds up — but not all of it does.
At the time, supporters of legalization predicted that it would bring few downsides. In our editorials, we described marijuana addiction and dependence as “relatively minor problems.” Many advocates went further and claimed that marijuana was a harmless drug that might even bring net health benefits. They also said that legalization might not lead to greater use.
It is now clear that many of these predictions were wrong. Legalization has led to much more use. Surveys suggest that about 18million people in the US have used marijuana almost daily (or about 5 times a week) in recent years. That was up from around 6million in 2012 and less than 1million in 1992. More Americans now use marijuana daily than alcohol.
This wider use has caused a rise in addiction and other problems. Each year, nearly 2.8million people in the US suffer from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes severe vomiting and stomach pain. More people have also ended up in hospitals with marijuana-linked paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders. Bystanders have also been hurt, including by people driving under the influence of pot.
… Much as the US previously went too far in banning pot, it has recently gone too far in accepting and even promoting its use. Given the growing harms from marijuana use, American lawmakers should do more to regulate it.
… The biggest concern is excessive use. At least one in 10 people who use marijuana develops an addiction, a similar share as with alcohol. Even some who do not develop an addiction can still use it too much. People who are frequently stoned can struggle to hold a job or take care of their families. “Doctors are contending with the effects of an explosion in the use of the drug and its intensity,” a New York Times investigation concluded in 2024. “The accumulating harm is broader and more severe than previously reported.”
… For-profit marijuana companies, made possible by legalization, have a financial incentive to mislead the public about what they are selling… As the industry has grown, it has increased lobbying of state and federal lawmakers, and it has won some big victories. Marijuana companies, not casual smokers, are the biggest winners of Mr. Trump’s decision to reclassify the drug from Schedule I to Schedule III.
… A better approach would acknowledge that many people end up worse off when they start to use marijuana more frequently.”
