New research casts doubt on cannabis benefits, cites mental health risks

June 21, 2026 - 01:40

A growing body of research is challenging the widely held belief that cannabis is a harmless or even beneficial substance, with a new study drawing direct links between modern marijuana use and significant mental health risks. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel recently addressed the findings, pointing to the dramatic increase in THC potency as a primary driver of these dangers.

Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Dr. Siegel explained that today's cannabis is far more concentrated than the marijuana of previous decades. This high potency, he argued, is not just making users "more high" but is fundamentally altering the drug's impact on the brain. The new research suggests that regular use, especially among younger individuals, is associated with a higher incidence of psychosis, anxiety disorders, and depression. The doctor emphasized that while some patients may still find limited therapeutic value in certain cannabinoid compounds, the risks of unregulated, high-THC products are being dangerously underestimated. The study adds to a growing chorus of medical experts who urge caution, warning that the popular narrative of cannabis as a safe, natural remedy does not align with the current scientific evidence.