Overview
- Publishing a reassessment this week, the New York Times editorial board says U.S. marijuana legalization produced worse outcomes than expected and declares it is time to change course.
- Surveys cited by the board estimate about 18 million Americans now use marijuana daily or near‑daily, surpassing daily alcohol use and far above 2012 levels.
- The editorial links heavier use to harms including increased addiction, nearly 2.8 million annual cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, more hospitalizations for paranoia and psychotic disorders, and injuries from drug‑impaired driving.
- Rather than re‑criminalization, the board urges tighter oversight: a federal excise tax, higher state taxes, a ban on products above 60% THC, and a crackdown on unsupported medical claims.
- The piece criticizes President Trump’s December 2025 move to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III as a financial boost to industry, while libertarian and industry‑friendly commentators push back against high taxes and potency caps and urge targeted enforcement on public use, driving, and age verification.