“But It’s Legal There”: Does Legality Always Imply Safety?

[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