Singapore Doubles Down on Anti-Cannabis Stance Amidst Growing Global Legalization Trend
Singapore – Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo delivered a stern message against cannabis use, emphasizing its detrimental health effects and societal consequences, amidst a backdrop of shifting global attitudes towards the drug. Speaking at the DrugFreeSG Champions Conference, Teo highlighted the pervasive misinformation surrounding cannabis, particularly among young people, which she believes fuels a more permissive view of the substance. This misconception, often framed as "cannabis is natural, therefore safe," or equating its harm to that of alcohol or tobacco, requires immediate correction, she asserted. Teo firmly stated that scientific evidence irrefutably demonstrates cannabis’s addictive nature and its potential for severe, long-term health problems.
Teo’s address comes as a growing number of countries, particularly in the West, have moved towards legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, either for medicinal or recreational use. This global trend, often driven by perceived economic benefits and changing social norms, contrasts sharply with Singapore’s unwavering zero-tolerance drug policy. Teo directly criticized jurisdictions that have embraced cannabis legalization, citing Thailand as a cautionary tale. She pointed to the reported quadrupling of cannabis addiction cases in Thailand following decriminalization, portraying it as a stark example of the difficulties in reversing such policies once implemented. The minister stressed the importance of learning from these examples and upholding Singapore’s stringent approach.
The Second Minister underscored her concerns by pointing to recent large-scale cannabis seizures within Singapore, indicating a persistent local demand for the drug. She cited a recent case involving a couple arrested near Kaki Bukit Road 3 with 5kg of cannabis, alongside other drugs, vape devices, and THC-infused edibles, as a testament to ongoing enforcement efforts. This example serves to highlight the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the authorities’ commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment. Teo also emphasized the connection between drug use and broader criminal activity, revealing that a significant proportion – one in four – of prisoners convicted of non-drug related offenses have a history of drug-related crimes. This link, she argues, strengthens the case for maintaining a tough stance on all drug use.
Contrary to the government’s position, surveys suggest an evolving perspective among younger Singaporeans towards drug use, including cannabis. A 2022 Straits Times survey revealed that 53% of Singaporeans and permanent residents supported legalizing cannabis for medical use, with the figure rising to 59% among those aged 16 to 34. This generational divide highlights the challenge facing the government in communicating its message effectively to younger demographics who may be more susceptible to pro-cannabis narratives prevalent online and in some international media. The government’s task is to bridge this gap and reinforce its anti-drug message.
Despite the apparent shift in public opinion, enforcement data suggests a decrease in cannabis-related arrests. In 2024, 199 individuals were arrested for cannabis abuse, down from 276 in 2023. The total number of drug abusers arrested also saw a slight decrease, from 3,122 in 2023 to 3,119 in 2024. While these figures may indicate the success of ongoing anti-drug campaigns, Teo stressed the importance of continued vigilance and education to prevent a resurgence in cannabis use. The government’s strategy appears to be a multi-pronged approach combining strict enforcement with public education campaigns.
The debate surrounding cannabis legalization remains complex and emotionally charged. Singapore’s firm stance against the drug, despite changing global trends, reflects its longstanding commitment to maintaining a drug-free society. The government continues to emphasize the potentially devastating health and societal consequences of cannabis use, while simultaneously acknowledging the evolving public perception, especially among younger generations. As the global conversation around cannabis continues, Singapore’s experience and unwavering policy will likely be closely observed by other nations grappling with similar challenges. The country’s zero-tolerance approach serves as a unique case study in a world increasingly experimenting with varying degrees of cannabis liberalization.