Cannabis Scientist: Why Today's Weed Is Dangerous, Highly Addictive & Hard To Quit | Dr. Yasmin Hurd

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Jun 28, 2025

Dr. Yasmin Hurd, a leading neuroscientist and Director of the Addiction Institute, dives into the alarming realities of modern cannabis. She explains how today’s high-potency THC drastically alters brain functions related to anxiety and decision-making. With cannabis becoming stronger and more accessible, she warns of rising health risks and addiction concerns. Hurd also discusses the dangers of contaminated cannabis and the often-overlooked withdrawal symptoms, emphasizing the need for informed approaches to cannabis consumption and recovery.

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INSIGHT

High Potency THC Impacts Brain

High potency THC drastically alters critical brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
These changes impair decision-making, emotional regulation, anxiety levels, and impulsivity.

INSIGHT

Cannabis Potency Has Skyrocketed

Cannabis potency has increased from 2-4% THC decades ago to 15-24% in regular products today.
Concentrates like dabs and shatters can contain 70-90% THC, making today's cannabis significantly stronger.

INSIGHT

Legalization Fuels Increased Cannabis Use

Legalization and reduced stigma have increased daily cannabis use, now surpassing daily alcohol use.
Many wrongly believe cannabis is less harmful, though new data reveal more medical issues than previously known.

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Dr. Yasmin Hurd is the Director of the Addiction Institute within the Mount Sinai Behavioral Health System as well as the Ward Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Hurd is an internationally renowned neuroscientist whose translational research examines the neurobiology of drug abuse and related psychiatric disorders. Her research exploring the neurobiological effects of cannabis and heroin has significantly shaped the field. Using multidisciplinary research approaches, her research has provided unique insights into the impact of developmental cannabis exposure and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the drug’s protracted effects into adulthood and even across generations. Dr. Hurd’s basic science research is complemented by clinical laboratory investigations evaluating the therapeutic potential of novel science-based strategies for the treatment of opioid addiction and related psychiatric disorders including pioneering work with cannabidiol. Based on these high impact accomplishments and her advocacy of drug addiction education and health, Dr. Hurd was inducted into both the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Science, complementing other honors she has received in the field.

Today on the show we discuss: how high potency THC changes the brain, why today’s weed is much stronger than it used to be, the shocking medical risks of using marijuana (besides damaging your mental health), the surprising truth about what weed withdrawal looks like, why people deny their addiction to cannabis, what life can look like after quitting weed and much more.

⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠

Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help:

Emergency Medical Services—911

If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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