53% want Singapore to explore legalising cannabis for medical use.
Hey followers! Did you know that more than half of Singaporeans and permanent residents are open to considering the legalisation of cannabis for medical use? A recent survey showed that 53% of those polled believe that the Republic should at least contemplate the idea. This is a hot topic, especially with the changing attitudes towards cannabis and its legalisation in neighboring countries like Thailand. Interestingly, the survey also revealed that there are differences in opinions across age groups. While nearly 60% of individuals aged 16-34 are in favor of legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, this number decreases as the age group increases. However, the use of cannabis for medical purposes in Singapore is still extremely rare and heavily regulated.
But here’s the catch – while some believe that cannabis has no medical benefits, others acknowledge its potential in treating certain conditions. In fact, a study has shown that the use of purified synthetic cannabinoids may have some benefits for specific conditions. However, there is still limited information on the long-term safety and efficacy of using these substances. As for the legal perspective, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam believes in basing policies on evidence and science, and according to him, the evidence shows that cannabis use is harmful.
However, the Singapore government does allow controlled access to cannabis-derived medication in certain cases, under strict conditions. For former drug addict turned lawyer Darren Tan, the debate on legalisation hits close to home. Having faced his own struggles with addiction, he believes in remaining neutral on the issue, acknowledging both the potential harm and benefits of drug use. On the other hand, Singapore Management University’s Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan argues that a zero-tolerance approach to drug use is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of society. What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you believe that Singapore should consider legalizing cannabis for medical use?
Let’s discuss! 💭🌿
