High-Potency Cannabis Linked to Mental Health Risks

New research highlights the growing concerns surrounding high-potency cannabis. Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel discusses the increased THC levels associated with addiction and adverse mental health effects, particularly in adolescents. He notes that claims of cannabis aiding anxiety and depression are often misleading, contributing to more emergency room visits.

The 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that marijuana is now the most-used daily drug in the U.S., with 21.4 million daily or near-daily users. This figure surpasses the 19.9 million daily cigarette smokers and 17.2 million daily alcohol drinkers.

SAMHSA’s survey defines daily marijuana use as consuming the substance 300 or more days in a year. It notes a 21% increase in frequent users from 17.7 million in 2022 to 21.4 million in 2025. The largest jump occurred between 2021 and 2022, with 2.8 million more users.

Adults aged 26 and older primarily drive the rise in marijuana use. Between 2021 and 2025, adults using marijuana daily or nearly daily increased by 22% from 17.2 million to 20.9 million. Despite the rise in marijuana use, alcohol remains the most widely used substance, with 129 million monthly users compared to 43.8 million marijuana users.

General marijuana use increased from 13.2% to 15.1% between 2021 and 2025, while cigarette use declined from 20.1% to 15.9%. A report from Modern Health indicates more workers are turning to substances like THC to manage stress, with 63% of those surveyed engaging in self-medication after work.

Dr. Marc Siegel expressed concerns over the focus on marijuana’s misleading benefits for pain and anxiety. He argued that growing THC content in cannabis products is detrimental to mental performance and judgment. Siegel linked THC use to more fatal vehicle accidents and criticized the lack of awareness about marijuana dangers compared to the knowledge of cigarette and alcohol risks.

Siegel believes the rising marijuana use reflects a dangerous trend driven by less awareness of its dangers and increased understanding of the risks associated with alcohol and cigarettes.