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The Unfiltered Truth on Drugs: 3 Lies About Drug Abuse
[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”
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recreational drug use as progressive and open-minded, making those who question these norms feel judgmental or outdated.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.
