Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Marijuana is more available, more potent, and more accepted than ever before. But a major new study is pushing back on the idea that it is harmless.
More than 19 million Americans are struggling with a marijuana addiction, and that number has been going up every year since 2021.
Marijuana use has jumped more than 65 percent over the past ten years, and the number of people becoming addicted? Nearly four times higher than in 2015.
About one in three people who use marijuana will become addicted to it.
When we talk about young adults using marijuana, about half are showing signs of addiction.
And teens between 13 and 18 who use marijuana? More than twice as likely to develop depression, and three times as likely to be diagnosed with severe depression.
Experts say as marijuana products become more potent and easier to get, young people face a growing risk that most families are not talking about.
Dr. Joshua Smith, a doctor of addiction medicine with Henry Ford Health, joined Local 4 Live to talk more about the study.
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Expect more coverage of Southeast Michigan and surrounding communities with breaking news, weather, original reporting, investigations, and local sports.
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Marijuana is more available, more potent, and more accepted than ever before. But a major new study is pushing back on the idea that it is harmless.
More than 19 million Americans are struggling with a marijuana addiction, and that number has been going up every year since 2021.
Marijuana use has jumped more than 65 percent over the past ten years, and the number of people becoming addicted? Nearly four times higher than in 2015.
About one in three people who use marijuana will become addicted to it.
When we talk about young adults using marijuana, about half are showing signs of addiction.
And teens between 13 and 18 who use marijuana? More than twice as likely to develop depression, and three times as likely to be diagnosed with severe depression.
Experts say as marijuana products become more potent and easier to get, young people face a growing risk that most families are not talking about.
Dr. Joshua Smith, a doctor of addiction medicine with Henry Ford Health, joined Local 4 Live to talk more about the study.
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit!
Expect more coverage of Southeast Michigan and surrounding communities with breaking news, weather, original reporting, investigations, and local sports.
We’re proud to be part of the Metro Detroit community.
Watch more from Local 4 on YouTube: youtube.com/@ClickOnDetroitLocal4WDIV/videos
📰 More news stories: clickondetroit.com
▶️ Watch Local 4 News live: clickondetroit.com/live
📩 Sign up for Local 4 newsletters: clickondetroit.com/account/newsletters










