U.S. Medical Cannabis in 2025: Growth, Challenges, and a Changing Legal Landscape

Medical cannabis remains a major part of healthcare across the United States, even as the legal framework and public attitudes continue to shift. With more patients turning to cannabis-based treatments and states adjusting their regulations, medical marijuana is entering a new chapter in its American story.

Expanding Legal Access

Today, medical cannabis is legal in 39 states, along with Washington D.C. and several U.S. territories. An additional handful of states have approved the use of low-THC, high-CBD products for specific medical conditions. However, at the federal level, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning it’s considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

That could soon change. In 2024, the DEA announced its intention to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, a category that includes substances with recognized medical uses and lower abuse potential. If finalized, this would mark the most significant federal shift on cannabis policy in decades.

Medical Benefits and Popular Uses

Patients use medical cannabis for a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic pain management

Reducing nausea and vomiting, especially from chemotherapy

Stimulating appetite for patients dealing with severe weight loss

Controlling seizures, particularly in epilepsy patients

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are key components responsible for these effects, with CBD products gaining particular attention for their non-intoxicating therapeutic properties.

Public Sentiment and Economic Impact

Public support for cannabis legalization — both medical and recreational — has never been stronger. Recent surveys show that nearly 9 out of 10 Americans favor some form of legalization.

Financially, states that have legalized cannabis have seen impressive tax revenues. In 2023 alone, cannabis sales generated billions in state taxes, helping fund education, healthcare, and community programs.

Still, the cannabis industry faces headwinds. Investments cooled off in 2024, with cannabis stocks underperforming expectations, and regulatory delays at the federal level have made banking and expansion more difficult for cannabis businesses.

Risks and Challenges to Watch

While medical cannabis offers real benefits, it isn’t without concerns:

Mental health risks: High doses of THC, particularly in edibles, have been linked to increased anxiety and paranoia.

Regulatory confusion: Differences between state and federal law create major challenges for research, banking, and transporting products across state lines.

Product strength: Today’s cannabis strains and concentrates are often much more potent than those used in previous generations, making education around dosing essential.

Looking Ahead

As America moves toward a possible federal reclassification of cannabis, the future of medical marijuana looks promising but complex. For patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, the key will be balancing access to treatments with a commitment to safety, education, and responsible regulation.