Category: Real Impact of Drugs

[TLDR: In our interconnected world, Singaporeans are constantly exposed to diverse views about drugs – opinions get shaped through media, travel, and friends’ experiences abroad. But does legality elsewhere make something safe or acceptable? This article explores why “legal doesn’t mean safe” and how we can think beyond the legal vs illegal divide when it comes to drugs.]

Living in a World of Different Laws

When we travel, study or live abroad, we deal with different sets of laws that govern the country – this is called legal pluralism. These laws can shape our experience and our views of the place. Take bubble gum for instance. Just a drive across our Singapore borders, the gum can be purchased but in Singapore, there is no sale and production of gum. Have you ever wondered why and felt like the authorities are making a scene out of nothing?

What about in the case of drugs? When experiencing legal pluralism, thoughts like “People don’t hide it; it’s out in the open.” and “Everyone knows someone who’s tried it at least once.” are common. Legal pluralism can become a ‘loophole’ or a convenient excuse for those who are curious about drugs. And so, if we have friends who are curious, how should we respond?

Why “Legal = Safe” is a Fallacy: The Danger of the ‘Harmless’ Illusion

Legalisation in countries like Thailand can create the illusion that drugs—especially cannabis—are harmless.

• Legal acceptance – “It’s legal here, so it must be okay.”
• Social & Peer Influence – “Everyone’s doing it, why not?”
• FOMO and Experimentation – “You only live once, this might be my only chance to try.”
• Media and Lifestyle Portrayals – “…it seems so common with musicians and famous actors. They seem to be partying hard and having a good time. Are drugs really that dangerous?”¹

What once felt off-limits might start to feel acceptable just because it’s normalised around us. Normalised presentation of drugs in everyday food – for example, a response in a Mothership Video¹ shared that in Thailand, cannabis was so common, it came in the form of water, bread and cookies, making it feel casual and harmless. But the inherent harms of drugs do not change regardless of whether it’s legal or not. Abusers still feel the physical effects, families still feel the emotional distance and addiction is still a possibility.

Instead of giving in to FOMO, maybe it’s time we encourage our friends to embrace a little JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. Choosing not to follow the crowd isn’t about being left out; it’s about being confident in our own choices, and knowing that protecting our wellbeing is far more rewarding than satisfying a moment of curiosity.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

While laws are meant to protect people and guide orderly societal behaviour, sometimes economic interests could be prioritised. In reality, decisions that guide law-making is complex and multifaceted. Different countries make different trade-offs based on unique contexts and priorities.

In 2023, San Francisco relaxed drug laws and saw an all-time high in drug overdose deaths with more than 80% attributed to Fentanyl overdose. Similarly, British Columbia in Canada experienced more than 5% increase in drug overdose death after legalising the possession of small amounts of drugs.²

It’s important to think about the impact of drugs. Singapore is of the view that the societal costs far outweigh its economic benefits, providing compelling evidence to support caution. Our country’s approach has done well in keeping our drug situation under control, effectively eliminating the need for counter-measures such as legalisation. If that day ever comes, it could be a sign that the problem’s grown, not gone away.

Read about the effects of drug abuse to understand its nuances so that you can make your own informed choices.

Reference articles: 1 Legalisation of Drugs overseas, MothershipSG 2 The Dangers of Drug Liberalisation, CNB

[TL;DR: Could drug abuse ever be okay? Think again.
We break down three common misconceptions about drugs that surround us today, revealing how the drug industry targets us and uses sophisticated marketing to normalise harmful substances. Understanding these tactics helps you stay uninfluenced and see the real facts when it comes to drugs.] 

You probably have encountered mixed messages about drugs online, in the media you consume, or even through conversations with friends. As drug legalisation spreads globally and marketing becomes increasingly sophisticated, it is harder than ever to separate fact from fiction. Drug companies and their advocates know this, and are specifically targeting younger consumers.

Let’s expose three common lies about drugs that are being pushed through clever marketing, social pressure and misinformation.

Myth #01: “It’s Fine As Long As You Don’t Overdo It”

You’ve probably heard it before:

It’s fine as long as you don’t overdo it.

or

Some drugs aren’t harmful, they can actually be beneficial.

If you search the terms “raw cannabis” or “microdosing psychedelics” online today, you may find many articles that promote such views. Some are even disguised as wellness or lifestyle content.

However, this contradicts scientific research that consistently show that any form of cannabis has impact on health and well-being – from impairing attention, memory and decision-making to affecting cognitive function, which increases the risk of accidents and harm.^{1, 2} 

The notion that “just trying it once” is harmless oversimplifies addiction, which can develop unpredictably based on factors like genetics, mental health, and trauma.

Myth #02: “My Body, My Choice”

“My body, my choice” is a common refrain. It frames drug abuse as a matter of personal choice and liberty. But this framing ignores how our decisions are shaped by powerful commercial interests that profit from individualistic messaging while downplaying societal impacts. Behind the “freedom of choice” narrative lies sophisticated cultural shifts that have redefined recreational drug use as progressive and open-minded, making those who question these norms feel judgmental or outdated.

What’s rarely discussed is how privilege can shape these “personal” choices. Those with economic advantages, supportive families, and access to healthcare often approach drug experimentation with a false sense of immunity to consequences. This privileged perspective ignores how their choices influence others—especially peers with fewer resources, unstable home environments, or existing mental health challenges who may face far more severe consequences for the same choices.

So, is drug abuse truly a “personal choice”? Your social circles can gradually normalise behaviours you once rejected, while your “personal” choices can become the justification for others to make potentially more harmful decisions in different circumstances.

Myth #03: “If It’s Legal, It Must Be Okay”

As more countries legalise drugs, a dangerous perception grows with the phenomenon: if it’s legal, it can’t be that harmful. This again is an oversimplification that ignores the complex factors behind legalisation decisions and the mounting evidence of negative consequences.

What’s driving legalisation isn’t purely public safety but profit. And cannabis firms are taking pages directly from the Big  Tobacco marketing playbook to hook young consumers. For example, in 2018 alone, North America’s cannabis industry spent US$661 million on marketing campaigns and spends are projected to increase to 3.89 bn 10 years later.³

Behind the scenes in America, power brokers have marketed marijuana as a cure-all to shape public perception, paving the way for widespread acceptance and profitable growth of the recreational cannabis market.⁴ Furthermore, the utilisation of social media and influencers to promote their products to young, impressionable audiences, makes cannabis increasingly enticing.⁴

Countries that have legalised drugs often experience devastating societal impacts. In the United States, which was one of the first countries to legalise cannabis, research shows negative impacts on adolescent health alongside increased healthcare and social costs.

Navigating a Complex World of Influences

Your future is worth protecting. By understanding the tactics used to market and normalise drugs, you gain the power to make truly informed decisions based on facts. Stay curious, question what you see, and choose a path that genuinely serves your well-being and goals.

Reference articles: 1  Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours 2  Cannabis Health Effects 3 Cannabis ad spending in North America 2018-2030 4 Smokescreen: What the marijuana industry doesn’t want you to know” By Kevin A Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS)