Tucker Carlson vs marijuana: Dr Daniel Amen warns of ‘toxic brain damage’ in the latest episode of his podcast

OG article by TOI Lifestyle Desk

November 21, 2025

In a recent podcast episode, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson hosted psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, who issued strong warnings about marijuana's neurological harms based on thousands of brain scans showing a "toxic brain pattern" of reduced blood flow and impaired cognition from chronic use. Amen argues perceptions of cannabis as harmless stem from politics and commerce, stating, “Every time society lowers the perceived danger of a drug, use goes up and mental health goes down,” correlating rising consumption with youth mental health declines. Supporting studies include a 2016 Journal of Neuroscience finding on altered prefrontal cortex responses, a 2023 Cambridge MRI study revealing structural changes in adolescents, a 2019 Lancet Psychiatry report of up to fivefold psychosis risk from high-potency daily use, and a 2024 JAMA Pediatrics review linking teen use to anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits. Amen emphasizes adolescent vulnerability and dose-dependent motivation/cognition impairments per 2023 research. While acknowledging CBD benefits and medicinal value, experts from WHO and CDC stress risks vary by potency, frequency, and biology, concluding high-potency frequent use, especially in youth, poses significant mental health dangers.