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Cannabis Usage Rises Amid Growing Health Concerns
The popularity of cannabis continues to rise in 2026, with approximately 15% of Americans reporting current use and more than 22% having used it within the past year. As “Dry January” trends prompt many to cut back on alcohol consumption, dispensaries have reported a surge in marijuana sales, creating what industry insiders have dubbed “High January.”
While cannabis has been promoted for potential medical benefits including pain relief, anxiety reduction and sleep improvement, health experts are increasingly raising concerns about risks associated with its use, particularly as products become more potent than in previous decades.
“There’s a widespread belief that marijuana is ‘natural’ and therefore harmless,” said Corey Gamberg, a mental health and addiction specialist who serves as executive director of the Rockland Recovery Center and Massachusetts Center for Addiction. “In reality, today’s products are far more potent than in previous decades, and we’re seeing very real mental, emotional and physical consequences in clinical settings every day.”
This sentiment is echoed by Trent Carter, a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Renew Health in New Mexico, who observed that many patients use marijuana to self-medicate for various conditions, only to develop additional symptoms over time.
Mental Health Implications
Mental health experts are particularly concerned about cannabis effects on those with underlying conditions. Gamberg warns that while some users initially report feeling calmer, clinical evidence shows increased anxiety, panic symptoms, emotional blunting, and in some cases, paranoia or psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
These risks appear heightened with modern cannabis products containing elevated THC levels. A recent study from Truveta, a health data company analyzing de-identified electronic health records, found emergency department visits for cannabis-induced mental health disorders rose nearly 50% between 2019 and 2020, remaining elevated through 2023.
“While people with mental health conditions are more likely to use cannabis, evidence also suggests cannabis use may be linked to earlier onset of certain psychiatric disorders,” noted Brianna Cartwright, principal research analyst for Truveta.
Cognitive Function and Motivation
Regular marijuana use affects numerous brain functions, including attention span, memory consolidation, and motivation levels, according to experts.
“Clinically, we see people describe feeling ‘stuck’ — less emotionally responsive, less driven and less engaged with life,” Gamberg explained. “This can interfere with work, relationships and recovery from other mental health conditions.”
The developing brain appears especially vulnerable to THC exposure. Early and frequent marijuana use has been linked to long-term changes in cognition and emotional regulation, potentially increasing the risk of severe substance use disorders later in life.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Recent research has uncovered worrying connections between cannabis use and cardiovascular health. A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the journal Heart reviewed studies encompassing over 400 million patients and found marijuana users faced a 29% higher risk of heart attack, 20% increased risk of stroke, and doubled chances of cardiovascular death. These risks were most pronounced among individuals using cannabis at least weekly.
Sleep Disruption
While many turn to marijuana for its mild sedating effects, experts caution against its long-term use as a sleep aid. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and sleep specialist at Wesper in New York, explains that “THC suppresses rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, disrupting normal sleep architecture and interfering with essential processes such as neural plasticity, memory consolidation and emotional regulation.”
Clinical research has linked chronic marijuana use with decreased deep sleep and higher rates of sleep fragmentation. This creates a troubling cycle where initial sleep improvements give way to poorer sleep quality, withdrawal symptoms including vivid dreams or nightmares, and increased reliance on marijuana just to fall asleep.
Cannabis Use Disorder
Contrary to common belief, cannabis can be addictive. According to the CDC, approximately 30% of users develop cannabis use disorder, characterized by cravings, unsuccessful quit attempts, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms including irritability, insomnia, anxiety and mood changes.
“There is always a risk of addiction related to cannabis use, and it is difficult to treat once it is developed,” said Nicole Short, clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Regulatory Developments
In December 2025, President Trump issued an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, recognizing its accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I substances. The order cited a 2023 FDA review finding scientific support for medical marijuana in treating pain, anorexia, and nausea/vomiting.
“The president’s executive order strongly supports research, which can help with misconceptions about cannabis,” said Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “The one thing everyone should agree on is that more research and evidence-based policymaking is needed in this area.”
Varying Effects and Individual Differences
Dr. Dustin Sulak, an integrative physician and co-founder of Healer, a cannabinoid wellness company in Maine, emphasizes that cannabis effects vary significantly based on dose, potency, age, and pattern of use.
While high doses can negatively affect attention, memory, anxiety, sleep and heart health, Sulak notes that low-dose, orally administered cannabinoids used intentionally by adults may provide benefits including improved quality of life, better sleep, reduced anxiety, pain control, improved appetite, and potentially reduced reliance on higher-risk medications.
Health experts emphasize the importance of objective, evidence-based information about marijuana’s effects. Anyone experiencing negative health effects from cannabis use should consult a medical professional for guidance.
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11 Comments
It’s concerning to hear about the potential health risks associated with the more potent cannabis products now available. More research and public education will be key as this industry continues to evolve.
I agree, the health experts raise important points that shouldn’t be ignored. The increased potency of today’s cannabis is a serious issue that warrants further investigation.
The surge in marijuana sales during ‘Dry January’ highlights the complex relationship between substance use and public health. While personal choice is important, the experts raise valid concerns that merit further study and dialogue.
While the medical benefits of cannabis are promising, the experts’ warnings about the mental, emotional and physical consequences of today’s more potent products are concerning. More research and public dialogue is needed.
I agree, the increased potency is a real issue that needs to be addressed. Promoting responsible use and providing clear, science-based education will be crucial going forward.
This trend of ‘High January’ is quite interesting, though the potential health risks are worrying. Increased monitoring and education around the evolving cannabis landscape seems prudent.
Absolutely. As cannabis becomes more mainstream, it’s crucial that the public understands both the benefits and the potential dangers, especially with regard to mental health impacts.
The surge in cannabis use during ‘High January’ highlights the complex dynamics at play. Heeding the health experts’ concerns about the risks, especially with regard to mental health, seems prudent.
This ‘High January’ trend is an interesting development, but the health concerns raised by the experts are quite valid. Balancing personal choice with public welfare will be an ongoing challenge as cannabis use grows.
The rise in cannabis use during ‘High January’ is concerning. While some believe it has medical benefits, the increased potency of today’s products raises real health risks that need to be taken seriously.
I agree, the health experts raise valid points. Marijuana may not be as harmless as some think, especially with the stronger formulations available now.