In a surprising reversal, The New York Times editorial board has retreated from its long-standing support for marijuana legalization, expressing concerns about the growing negative impacts of widespread pot use. The board’s latest editorial, “It’s Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem,” acknowledges that some of its previous positions no longer hold up, including its initial assessment that marijuana addiction and dependence are relatively minor issues.
The Times’ editorial board had previously advocated for the repeal of the national ban on marijuana, arguing that the drug’s risks were outweighed by its benefits. However, in its latest piece, the board cites new evidence and data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which shows that approximately 18 million people in the US use marijuana almost daily, and millions more use it regularly.
The board now believes that policymakers have been too hands-off in regulating marijuana use, and that a more balanced approach is needed. While the board still supports the legalization of marijuana, it urges lawmakers to take a more active role in addressing the potential harms associated with its use. The editorial concludes that it’s time for the US to acknowledge the reality of its marijuana problem and take steps to mitigate its negative effects.
