The New York Times editorial board has reversed its long-standing support for marijuana legalization, warning that the United States now faces a 'marijuana problem' with 18 million Americans using the drug almost daily. The editorial acknowledges that many predictions about legalization's limited downsides were wrong, as wider use has led to increased addiction, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome affecting 2.8 million people annually, and more hospitalizations for marijuana-linked psychosis.

In 2014, the Times published a six-part series comparing federal marijuana prohibition to alcohol prohibition and arguing for repeal. The board now admits that while some arguments from that time still hold, the reality of legalization has proven more problematic than anticipated. The editorial notes that daily marijuana use now exceeds daily alcohol consumption in the United States, with severe health consequences including chronic vomiting, stomach pain, and driving under the influence incidents.

Rather than calling for complete recriminalization, the Times advocates for a policy of 'grudging toleration' that would upset Big Weed companies benefiting from favorable tax treatment under recent federal reclassification. The editorial argues that marijuana businesses have a financial incentive to mislead the public about their products. The board concludes that loosening marijuana policies without adequate regulation has led to worse outcomes than expected, calling for Americans to acknowledge this reality and change course.