The Blunt Truth: Marijuana Isn’t Medicine

Marijuana

New research continues to show that marijuana isn’t medicine.

Nationwide, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, and some 40 states — including Arkansas — let healthcare professionals write notes authorizing people to use so-called “medical” marijuana. But a growing body of scientific evidence shows marijuana poses serious health risks.

A major study by The Lancet recently found marijuana fails to effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

The findings raise serious concerns, because PTSD is the most common qualifying condition listed among “medical” marijuana users in Arkansas.

Some people suggest marijuana may help people quit using more serious drugs, but researchers found cannabinoids actually increased cocaine cravings among those who struggled with cocaine addiction.

Another recent study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins found young people who suffered from cannabis use disorder were at greater risk of later being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.

Researchers analyzing nearly 700,000 medical records found teenagers 17 and under with cannabis use disorder faced a 52% increased risk for schizophrenia and a 30% greater risk for depression, compared to teens with other substance use disorders.

Addiction experts note that marijuana can trigger mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Time and again, scientific evidence has shown that marijuana is dangerous.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge released a study this year that demonstrates marijuana use raises a person’s risk of stroke by 37%.

THC — the main psychoactive substance in marijuana — has been tied to everything from heart disease and cancer to stroke, mental illness, and birth defects. Some researchers now believe marijuana use actually doubles a person’s risk of death from heart disease.

And instead of decreasing crime, marijuana’s legalization has actually emboldened drug cartels and increased the flow of illegal drugs across America.

All of this underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Federal Judge Rules Against Ten Commandments Monument on Capitol Grounds

Current Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Little Rock, Ark. – On Tuesday, Chief U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker ruled against Arkansas’ monument of the Ten Commandments. The decision orders the Secretary of State to remove the monument if the Arkansas Attorney General fails to appeal the ruling to a higher court.

In a statement, Family Council President Jerry Cox said, “This is a bad decision that goes against 20 years of U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Arkansas’ monument of the Ten Commandments is identical to a monument the U.S. Supreme Court ruled constitutional at the Texas State Capitol Building in 2005. Arkansas’ General Assembly authorized this monument in 2015 to honor the historical impact the Ten Commandments has had on our nation, and the monument was paid for with private donations. The U.S. Supreme Court uses a ‘longstanding history and tradition’ test to determine if displays like this one are constitutional. We firmly believe that Arkansas’ Ten Commandments monument passes this test.”

Cox said Arkansas should be proud of its elected leaders for recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the Ten Commandments. “Placing the Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol lawn has been a democratic process. Arkansas’ elected legislators voted to authorize the privately funded monument, and the Arkansas Secretary of State allowed its placement alongside other monuments on the State Capitol lawn. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office has defended the monument in federal court. Arkansans should be proud of their elected leaders for taking this issue so seriously.”

Cox said he believes that Tuesday’s decision will be overturned on appeal. “The lawsuit over Arkansas’ Ten Commandments monument has languished in federal court since 2018. We disagree with Tuesday’s decision in the case, but we appreciate the fact that higher courts will finally have an opportunity to review it. We are confident that our federal courts ultimately will uphold Arkansas’ monument of the Ten Commandments as constitutional.”

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