Letters | Image of marijuana as a ‘happy’ drug is dangerous for young Hongkongers

In Hong Kong, even though the number of drug abusers has declined, the number of young people taking drugs is increasing. They think cannabis or marijuana is not that addictive or harmful, and see it as a trendy thing worth trying out. The legalisation of cannabis abroad makes them underestimate the risks.

Indeed, compared to narcotics such as morphine and heroin, cannabis is less dangerous, and this fact makes us underestimate its potential dangers. In public, we are warned against taking heroin, for instance, but are seldom told about the dangers of taking cannabis. In school, we don’t get much information about the supposedly less dangerous drugs. The image of cannabis has started to improve, it is known as a drug that can help us relax without causing much damage. However, the truth is that not only can cannabis become the gateway to stronger drugs, it has been shown to affect memory, cause anxiety and increase the risks of mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Cannabis is becoming popular among youngsters as a happiness drug. Indeed, it can make people feel happier, but with side effects. Maybe we can be truly happier in another, healthier way.

Ivy Fung, Kwai Chung