I was around twenty or thirty years ago to see earlier forms of anti-drug campaigns. While I agree that the ads described here are an improvement, they still come across to me as patronizing, boring, alienating, condescending, and likely to be ineffective, whether they're directed at teens or older people. Most people recognize that government is not anti-drug, that anti-drug policy is part of a cultural and class war against poor people, and that rich white people who use or sell drugs are accepted by society and can do so with relative impunity. If they're celebrities, they'll even be celebrated for it because of the glamour of bad behavior and tragic hipness which applies only to the rich. Yes, it's a good idea to be honest with the teens about the real risks of marijuana use, such as loss of ambition and motivation, weight gain, social isolation, depression, and perhaps permanent loss of short-term memory and critical thinking ability - or more practical considerations like the possibility of getting arrested, or having unprotected sex because their judgment is impaired, or not being able to finish school or get a job. It would be fair to say those things - but what is never said, is WHO are the people who are advising television viewers not to use drugs? What's their agenda? Why are they doing it? What do they have to gain? Why do they care? And I think until that question is answered, and answered honestly, these kinds of ads are always going to be regarded with suspicion and resentment.

Ha. You'd think, in light of how intrusive the U.S. government has become, that they'd WANT a lot of citizens in that perpetual state low motivation, making them less likely to protest, oh say, anti-drug ads and the Patriot Act.

While 'bluebird' makes some excellent points about the disparity in a justice system that treats the wealthy and/or celebrities differently than others, he needs to read the medical literature regarding cannabis. The notion that marijuana somehow relates to loss of ambition or motivation (the so-called "amotivational syndrome") was debunked 30 years ago in several studies. [And I have seen no evidence that William F. Buckley, Jr., Thomas Jefferson or da Vinci lacked ambition.] There are simply no data to suggest that pot leads to weight gain (!), social isolation, depression or "permanent loss of short-term memory." Carefully designed studies of 30+ year smokers have discovered none of 'bluebirds' horrific effects.

Interestingly, in instances where marijuana has been legalized, researchers typically note a decline in its use, implying that many use it as a "social protest" of sorts, not unlike going 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. Many users have in fact said that once it was no longer a serious crime, it lost some of its attraction.

For that reason alone, I doubt that many teens will pay much attention to ads produced by elder marketing folks who, at the end of their day, gather around with their alcohol and nicotine and pat themselves on the back for "helping to solve 'the drug problem.'" Gimme a break!

I agree with Bluebird's above comment. I'm a longtime smoker, aged 21, who was encouraged by my sister to smoke at 11. What is the Drug Partners' agenda? Why do they funnel money into tv advertising.

For people that smoke pot, the worst fear is running out of pot. The second fear is losing interest in the drug because it's lost its novelty. I don't know where I'm going with this, but everyone should realize that there are three types of people: avid smokers, occasional smokers, and nonsmokers. It's unlikely that these categories will disappear or a large proportion will move from one to the other.

Why not accept it? It fosters imagination/creativity and keeps us from going absolutely insane thinking about how the government has taken everything from us. That wouldn't make sense though, 'don't smoke pot, so you can pay more attention to what we're doing".

I have been exposed to all kinds of anti-drug PSA's for over 30 years now and I've yet to meet anyone who stopped drinking, toking or shooting up because a PSA caused them to see the light. PSA's are probably least efective with teenagers because they know it all. (If they know so much, sure wish they'd get us out of Iraq, but I digress.)

I've observed several friends who's parents partied hard, their grandparents partied hard and their great-grandparents, too. I'd say the best way to keep a teenager off drugs is to make sure that people with tendencies toward substance abuse not be allowed to reproduce. Since our right to reproduce is guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, we'll have to try something else.

The next best solution is to fund treatment centers with our tax dollars. Also, legalize drugs just like we legalized alcohol and then tax the hell out of them. Of course, some people are going to commit crimes to get money to buy drugs, just as they do now. If the crime committed is non-violent, like shoplifting, they go to a treatment center. Those who commit violence to obtain money for drugs should go to prison.

Stop wasting my money on anti-drug ads. The whole war on drugs is a joke. If my girlfriend left me for an alien, I would say good riddance and take a toke.

No matter how you package it. Drugs are NO good. of course to the druggie they are great.

The root of the problem with drugs is connected to alchohol and to any form of brain altering agent that takes us away from reality. root cause is the condition of the heart. but it doesnt stop with drugs.

All though many will laugh at me and make fun of me and throw their rocks. the roott of this lies in the condition of the ehart. it is a life without God. There is a vacum shaped whole in out heart, that only the love of God our Saviour Jesus Christ can fill.

We humans though in our finite wisdom reject that. for we love our lives , we know everything, just as we make fun of the teenagers who "think" they know everything. God looks down from heaven posibly with that same sarcastic look thinking the same thing..." We adults think we know everything"

Doing drugs usually starts out at a young age, when we are young and still serching for identity. we are molded by our environment and pressured by the company we keep. after all birds of feather flock together.

For the most part we do drugs to be cool, to fit in, to have friends , to Fill the void in our hearts. to get happy, after all why do you think they call it Happy Hour..?

from drugs we go to new houses , new cars , new girl friends, new wives, new husbands, new jobs, new vacations, new , new , new ,new and the viscious cycle goes on and on and on.

but you see in this heart the only thing that can fill that vacum is the Love of Jesus Christ and until you accept and recieve that s a FREE gift, your life will always be full of want in and getting. whether it is altering your mind by drugs or filling with the thoughts of a new something. the Heart will not rest without.

Many will read this indisgust, and reject it as multitudes have since the begininng of time. they will revert back to their own wisdom, which is foolishness in God's eyes,professing to be wise they become fools and they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worship and served the created things rather then the creator.

You see we humans we love our sins. but sin is only sweet for a season. Like everything else sooner or later it comes to a end but with sin there is always a consiquence,and usually more then we want to pay.

I smoked weed nd did drugs for about 25 years of my life, but hen one day my granny died which through a series of events I ended up at the foot of the Cross as multitudes have before me. that wa sin 1992 and I have never looked back. Jesus is for real, he cahnged my life, he changed multitudes ...can you read this He changed multitudes of peoples lives down through the century and just as the liscense plate in my truck says Still Changing Lives Yes he still is today.

I am here to day to give testamony of the truth in my life. not to prech to you from the pulpit, but instead to tell on the devil once again. for he is a liar and the father of all lies.

no matter what you may say against this it does not change the truth of the reality of life. of where I have been and where many are right now.Once I was a child, I talked like a child I thought like a child, and I reasoned like a child, but when I became a man I put childish ways behind me.

many will reject this, I understand. I appologise if I spelled a few words wrong. I writ this from my heart to a lost a dieing world. the worst thing that ever cold happen on earth is to live your whole life and never have a loving relationship with Jesus Christ the creator of the universe. what a tragedy, what a rippoff. and the worst part is you can never know God in your finite mind unregenorated carnal mind. it will never happem. thats why the Lrod says the carnal man cannot understand the things of the spirit. fo they are spiritually discerned.

enough for now. take advantage of this truth,or reject it and go get high. choice is yours. but just remember Jesus loves you. you are special and you can only be yourself. and you are special. God bless you.

you get time check out www.thewayofthemaster.com and www.HollywoodandGod.com Godspeed.....

hey holy douche...

Similar to how SCIENCE has proved the lies of Reefer Madness type scams that the government has produced about the effects of pot... I also think that the myth has been de-bunked that your "creator" made the universe. Sorry dude, science has shown that the earth has been here for somewhere in the range of 4 billion years. That sorta blows out your notion of creation having happened 7 thousand yrs back which I believe is the ballpark figure that "christian scientists" have come up with. Jesus has not saved 1 single person in your lifetime. He is freaking dead, if he even existed (in the capacity that you believe) in the first place.

Stop trying to waste my childrens minds with your phony hocus pokus stories. You might have found god, on your knees. But myself and my son both live our lives to a standard that is more than relying on some mythical person to show us the way. It's called self determination of the individual you moron. I give my kid credit that sure, maybe at some point he will smoke pot. But I think that is so much safer for them, than to to turn them over to the likes of yourself, and your testicle fondling, divine leaders. I've smoked pot for many years, to no negative ends. If my kid does the same...well I am glad that he is involved with a group of friends who become creative; instead of a group of friends like you and yours who want to curb his creativity and shackle him in bible verses.

Maybe you missed them memo, but Jesus doesn't cure addiction. This country needs quality rehab facilities. Which won't happen, due to folks like yourself who steer the masses with your fear and scare tactics.

As a libertarian I have always hated anti-drug ads (for their waste of money). As a human being I've always disliked anti-drug campaigners for their ignorance and small-mindedness.

To experience THC or even a stronger psychedelic like LSD or mescaline is often a disturbing experience. But always mind-opening. It's better to know than to not know. Knowledge beats ignorance.

In my opinion, these useless waste-of-money anti marijuana ads (in particular) simply encourage ignorance.

I can't believe you went on and on like that and had not an ounce of intelligence in your statement. You can't bring God into the world of drugs, including pot. Because if there is a God, he put the stuff here for a reason. Pot is not full of man-made chemicals that severely alter brain functions and doesn't really pose a threat to anyone. I do think there is a reason that the government won't legalize pot and it has nothing to do with safety of our citizens or their children. And just so you know, God has nothing to do in the "saving" of an addict to anything. The only one who can save them are themselves. They have to want to give it up. I am a smoker and have been one for years now. I'm a 22 year old woman with a high school diploma and working 2 jobs totaling 65 hours a week with a place of my own, no kids, and enrolling in college this semester. How's that for the motivation of a pot-head? So all you people with pre-conceived notions or judgements about the drug or it's users can sit and think about all the things you have just stated regarding a drug you've obviously never experienced and about how you're letting the government influence your opinions and decisions. And by the way, holy roller, No where in the bible does it say, "Thou shall not get high".

Well I was gonna leave a comment but Ibelieve that mjtwin pretty much summed it up. The only reason that pot was considered illegal was because of a guy who was a psycopath and killed his entire family and he happen to smokepot back in the early 1900 or something so they blame it on the majuana and made it illegal. Thats the only reason not for any other reason except that. The government wont legalize it now because they know they wouldnt be able to keep a handle on the ones that already grow and sell the stuff. Majuana isnt a drug where you would go out and kill you momma for it or steal from your daddy. The crap that they are trying to force down teenagers throats is crazy. If they want to get through to them then maybe they should smoke a joint before making all these rediculous ads. I'd much rather hang out with someone that smoked pot then to hang out with someone that is totally messed up on alcohol and wanted to fight everyone or a crackhead who you have to hide your crap from every time your around them or any other drug addict for that matter. Pot is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Anytime I have ever seen anyone smoke a joint yeah it makes them lazy but they dont hurt anyone and they can get up the next day and go to work and do everything they need to do because they arent feening for it. I know plenty of people that own and run very successfull businesses everyday and come home at night and smoke a joint. My husband for one he doesnt smoke at work but when he comes home he does and he is a very smart man so the not be able to make smart decisions comment goes right out the window too.

Its kinda hard to argue with the people that have experiance with it everyday rather then someone that hasnt smoked it at all. I agree to bring the bible into it is just ridiculous. Where do you think majuana comes from man doesnt make it it is an herb and grows in the wild. the only person potheads are hurting are themselves because its just as bad as smoking a cigarette or cigar, isnt funny all those things and acohol are all legal but majuana isnt all because noone knows enough about it to really even speak on it except the people that smoke it.

There is something very ironic about TV ads that try to

discourage pot. People spend hours in front of their TV, wasting

their lives, If anything drains the ambition of our culture its TV.

Anti drug ads are lame in general because people that do drugs just sit around and laugh at them. Two of the worst drugs on the market are tobacco and alcohol and they are backed up by unlimited budgets to promote the use of their products. Does the Surgeon Generals ad on every pack of cigarettes make a difference? NOT Studies have proven that tobacco companies purposely make their product more addictive and it is legal. Big Business just wants people to be addicted to their drugs and not spend money on drugs that they don't make a profit on because it is all about the money. Wake up America; Make tobacco and alcohol illegal and watch Big Business scream that it isn't fair to inhibit their right to make money by distributing products that they know people will become addicted to and continue to use despite knowing the harm that those products will do to them.

I'm sorry, but I dont quite think you're right. I agree the ads have a condescending message towards pot users: the girl would rather date an alien than her stoner boyfriend, and the dog calls the other boy a disappointment. However, this is part of the ad's point: its SUPPOSED to give people the idea that using drugs will downgrade you to some lower "social status". As for alienating, that actually is also part of their point: smoking pot alienates you from your friends, lovers, etc. I question your remark that most people see this as some conspiracy against the lower class, and if you wish to defend it, please site the statistics from whence you draw this, quite frankly, absurd statement. Also, please specifically refer to examples and support with evidence your (racist and ludicrous) claims that "rich white people" are forgiven or even admired for pedaling drugs. as for having commercials say who is advising against drug use, you make it sound as if its some cult advertising against drugs from some basement who should reveal themselves. i could hardly find this conspiracy theory more ridiculous. anti-drug use sentiments are not limited to the rich, or the poor, or the middle class, or to some obscure cult, i dont think it much of a stretch to say that it involves people from across all sorts of political, racial, ethnic, social, and economic groups. as to what their agenda is? how much more obvious could it be? THEY WANT PEOPLE TO STOP USING DRUGS. what do they have to gain? depends on who the "they" is (again i maintain the "they" is not one little group). most likely what they want to gain is a drug-free world in which drug related crimes, deaths, and other such tragedies dont exist. or some more realistic version of that goal, i cant say for sure. why do they care? again its difficult to say as its not one easily defined group, but i'd guess that their ranks would include parents affected by their children's drug use who dont want the same thing happening to other families, or other people who have been affected in some similar way or have seen some such effect, or someone who has seen a friend, coworker, or family member destroyed by drug use. also, please keep in mind these commercials have about 30 seconds to get their point across, what you are asking for is a 30 hour documentary about the anti-drug movement, which mind you, no one would be very willing to watch. thus another reason why your demands seem absurd.

and quite frankly, i doubt many people out there regard these ads with "suspicion and resentment", i think (or hope, rather) that "most" people would be rational enough to be able to not see this as some ridiculous conspiracy perpetrated by some geeky cult based in the basement of their leader's mom's house determined to wage war against the lower class. instead i would hope "most" people see it for what it is, a unified effort of citizens and organizations against what they view as a great problem in our society.

Im going to try and write this in the most civil manner i can because of all these people on here harping on eachother and derailing the topic (and im going to try my hardest to not myself harp on the evangelical loony toon)

1. There is no good reason why marijuana is illegal. period, end of story, several medical reports have stated that "marijuana is less dangerous than both ciggarettes and alcohol"

and thats presicly the reason why these anti-drug ads never make any sense when it comes to marijuana, because all of this is trumped up BS and everyone knows it, especially the people who DO it. studies have confirmed that adults who smoke marijuana regularly, work just as hard and suceed just as much as any other average joe out there who doesnt smoke. what they are selling you in their adds is just propaganda.

im all for keeping it out of hands of children, but i think the fact that its a victimless crime that comes with very bad punishments is pointless. the only reason i see why they keep it illegal is because its a nice cash cow for the government for when they haul in millions of nonviolent "offenders" and fine them up the ass and send plenty to jail for nothing but having it on their person in small amounts. some states are actually coming around though wich is good, i know theres about 7 or so that have decriminalized it and made possesion no more than a parking ticket. sooner or later, it will happen

Personally i think it would be a HUGE step, if we stopped trying to force FEAR down our childrens throats and start EDUCATING THEM! Knowledge is power, if GI Joe taught us anything, its that. to know justifiable reasons why something is bad for you is good, not to say, well if you do this substance then youre going to turn into a borderline retard that will drive a car and run over kids and probably murder somone because youre jonesing for a hit so bad and youll be a terrible person.

but then again if we were to educate our kids about marijuana then they would know that there isnt anything that terrible about it in the first place.

and in all honesty, to the author of this article, no teenager is going to think about the symbolism or read to far into this add, not a single one, it will be looked at with glassy eyes and laughed at by how rediculous it is. it is agreed that this add was thought out, but not from the mind of a teenager. i would bet that if marijuana was legalized, that usage in teens would probably spike, but then drop off significantly. what i can pretty much garauntee though is that these adds arent helping anything other than stroking some egos for the people who make them.

i want to keep drugs out of kids hands just as much as anyone else, but i dont think marijuana out of all the other terrible drugs out there ( not to mention prescription ) should be the main target.

and thats all i have to say on the matter.

Norml.org for efforts to educate and change the laws of marijuana