The conversation around drug policy is as essential as it is controversial. With the devastating impacts of substance use and addiction tearing through American communities, families, and individual lives, it’s imperative to re-evaluate the policies we promote and the cultural messages we endorse. This article explores the issues with current US drug policy, the pitfalls of so-called “solutions” like drug commercialisation, and the urgent need for prevention, education, and accountability to safeguard public health and societal well-being.

The Need for Stronger US Drug Policies

The growing drug crisis in the US, particularly fuelled by fentanyl, marijuana, and psychedelics, poses a monumental threat to communities nationwide. It’s not just a matter of controlling supply or managing addiction recovery — though both are critical components — but also about tackling demand by addressing societal permissiveness and normalisation of drug use.

Trends in the acceptance of substances such as marijuana and psychedelics threaten to unravel decades of progress. This isn’t simply a cultural concern; it’s a public health emergency. Drug policies must reflect the urgency to protect young people and vulnerable populations from exposure and harm.

The Dangers of Marijuana Commercialisation in the US

Marijuana legalisation and commercialisation have gained momentum in the United States, often sold as a solution to generate tax revenue and promote personal freedoms. However, these promises fall flat when examined against the stark realities of legalisation.

A Different Drug Than Decades Ago

One of the most alarming transformations in the marijuana landscape is its increased potency. A few decades ago, marijuana typically contained just 1–3% THC (its psychoactive compound). Today, products such as dabs, waxes, and edibles pack THC concentrations as high as 99%. These new forms of marijuana are entirely different from what existed in previous generations, presenting far greater risks of addiction and severe mental health outcomes, including schizophrenia and psychosis.

Today, approximately 30% of marijuana users develop a cannabis use disorder, making it clear that this substance is more than just recreational — it is highly addictive and harmful.

Targeting Young People

The marijuana industry’s marketing practices mirror those of Big Tobacco from decades ago. Products like marijuana-infused sweets, chocolates, and gummies are crafted to attract younger demographics, including children and teenagers. These products pose enormous risks to developing brains, with long-term consequences that can fundamentally alter their health and futures.

False Promises of Revenue

The supposed economic benefits of taxing marijuana are largely fictitious. Evidence consistently reveals that marijuana tax revenue does not cover the associated healthcare, education, and public safety costs necessary to mitigate the damage caused by legalisation. States with recreational marijuana programmes report spikes in crime, homelessness, and emergency room visits — far outweighing any revenue gains.

Cultural Normalisation of Drug Use

The rising acceptability of drug use in the US, fuelled by media portrayals and celebrity endorsements, is dismantling decades-old barriers that helped protect society. Substances like marijuana, psychedelics, and even cocaine are being trivialised or actively promoted as harmless, therapeutic, or trendy.

This narrative is extremely damaging. A normalised drug culture undermines preventative measures and accelerates the likelihood of substance experimentation among young people. Research clearly shows that environments in which drug use is accepted see much higher rates of dependency and abuse.

To combat this, the US should look to lessons from its successful anti-tobacco campaigns. Stigmatising harmful substances — without shaming individuals struggling with dependency — played a central role in reducing cigarette use. It’s time to apply this proven approach to tackle drug use across the board.

The Deceptive Rise of Psychedelics

The recent resurgence of interest in psychedelics like ibogaine is repeating the same mistakes that led to the opioid epidemic. Promoters of these substances make sweeping, unsubstantiated claims about their supposed benefits, often ignoring the risks they pose to users’ safety.

The science simply does not back these claims. Controlled clinical trials of ibogaine and similar substances have revealed significant risks, including fatal cardiac issues and severe psychological side effects. Despite proponents’ promises, there is no conclusive evidence to support the therapeutic viability of these substances.

Allowing psychedelics to gain broader acceptance within medical or recreational settings would only distract from evidence-based strategies that prioritise public safety and recovery.

Accountability for Industries and Influencers

The opioid epidemic, driven by companies like Purdue Pharma, offers a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked corporate greed. Unfortunately, the marijuana and emerging psychedelics industries appear to be treading the same path.

Entrepreneurs and so-called “marijuana doctors” employ aggressive marketing campaigns, targeting patients with bold but baseless promises. Investigations in states like Pennsylvania have revealed appalling practices, including physicians recommending marijuana while profiting from associated sales. Worse still, some of these doctors have previously been convicted for drug-related crimes.

Emerging technologies, like cryptocurrency, have also made it easier for drug sales and distribution to bypass regulation and enforcement. This blending of technology and illicit activity demands prompt action to shut down backdoor marketplaces and hold facilitators accountable.

Prevention as National Priority

Despite an ongoing addiction crisis, funding for widespread prevention programmes in the US remains woefully inadequate. Public health campaigns that educate Americans about the dangers of drugs and discourage first-time use should be a top priority.

Historical anti-drug advertising campaigns may seem outdated in hindsight, but messages carefully tailored for modern platforms — such as Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube — could break through to today’s audiences. Social media companies, whose platforms are commonly used for illicit drug transactions, should make it their social responsibility to donate advertising space to these campaigns.

An informed society is a safer society, and education is the first step in breaking the cycle of addiction.

Recovery as the Goal

It’s not enough to simply reduce harm or discourage use. The ultimate focus of any drug policy must be complete recovery — helping individuals regain independence and reintegrate into society fully.

Recovery is multifaceted. While counselling and therapy are essential components, a holistic approach that includes community-building projects, meaningful work opportunities, and non-addictive therapies can greatly enhance success rates. Ensuring that recovery pathways are accessible, affordable, and well-funded is key to lasting change.

A Call to Action for the US

The challenge we face is immense, but so too is our ability to make a difference. Protecting lives and futures starts with clear action. Preventative education, pushing back against the normalisation of drug use, and policies that focus on helping people recover rather than remain dependent are not just preferable — they are essential. At the same time, those who profit from harm, whether it’s through producing or promoting dangerous substances like marijuana, psychedelics, or fentanyl, must be held responsible for the damage they cause.

This isn’t a problem that belongs to someone else. Every community, every family, every person has a role to play in breaking the cycle of addiction. We cannot sit by while preventable drug use tears through our schools, streets, and homes. By prioritising education, prevention, and recovery, together we can create a world where individuals and families thrive without the shadow of addiction.

The moment to act is now. The policies we choose, the actions we take, and the voices we raise today will determine the legacy we leave tomorrow — a society that stands strong, compassionate, and free from the harms of drug dependency.

Source: YouTube