[TLDR: Discover how savvy marketing, profit-driven industries, and celebrity endorsements have transformed cannabis from a criminal taboo into a celebrated cultural trend in parts of the world. Behind the hype lies a hidden cost — know the facts, stay sharp, stay uninfluenced.]
The Creeping Influence of Pro-Cannabis Narratives
Have you noticed how casually the words “weed” or “marijuana” are thrown around these days? Pop culture has normalised cannabis abuse through the songs we hear, the movies we watch and even the celebrities we idolise.1 What’s less visible is the calculated industry effort behind this normalisation – cannabis has been rebranded as a “sophisticated” lifestyle choice through clever marketing, using food and flavour-inspired references to promote positive sensations.2 These are just some examples of carefully crafted messaging to distance cannabis from its harmful reality.
As neighbouring countries decriminalise cannabis abuse, many might start thinking, “It’s not such a big deal, right?”
But here’s the truth: the cultural normalisation of cannabis is causing a serious impact – it is changing our views on drugs. Despite Singapore’s stringent drug laws, young people below 30 continue to form the largest proportion among both total cannabis abusers arrested and new cannabis abusers arrested at 49% and 57%, respectively.3
The Truth About Cannabis
Abusing cannabis has real costs that go beyond just the purchase price.
In the short term, cannabis can cause impaired learning, memory loss, shortened attention, poor motor coordination, and risky decision-making.4 These aren’t just minor effects – they interfere with our ability to think, plan, and solve problems.5 And the potential collateral damage caused by impaired cognitive function? Think derailed educational and career opportunities, among others.
Over time, these effects worsen. Drug abuse has long-term consequences that extend far beyond the individual, and can cause emotional and social fallout.6
“(Referring to the ease of relapse) Just a small temptation, a sneaky opportunity, a brief moment of weakness and everything you have worked hard for would have gone down the drain. The battle is ongoing, a lifelong commitment to staying clean,” said Dr. (HC) Riduan Ishak. “Never start,” he advised.7
Contrary to popular narratives, cannabis is not the wellness wonder you’re told of. Despite what is being pushed in the media, the scientific evidence supporting claims of cannabis for medical use currently remains limited and inconclusive.8
Stay Informed, Stay Uninfluenced
As pro-cannabis narratives continue to grow louder, it’s easy to start wondering, “Maybe cannabis is different… maybe it’s not as harmful as they say.” But that’s exactly what the marketing wants you to believe.
Let’s learn to recognise the influences surrounding us and rethink the narratives we consume.
@tkmusic06 Part 218 | 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 : 𝐌𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐱 𝐒𝟎𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐖 | #phonk#phonk_music#funk#bassbosted#slowedsongs#aveeplayer#tk#fyp#foryou♬ សំឡេងដើម – TK┊Music 🎧🎶