to wonder when it became acceptable for role models to sing the praises of marijuana and psychedelics?

[Namechangethisevening]

Thinking specifically of prince Harry advertising constantly how great marijuana and psychedelics have been for his mental health. But there are other celebs doing this too.

Surely people in the public eye have a responsibility not to spout this?

Illegal drugs are 1. Illegal and 2. Associated with exacerbation of symptoms such as paranoia (Harry take note) in those with MH probs or prone to them.

How on earth is it considered ok for people who some see as role models, to be spouting the virtues of breaking the law and exacerbating MH issues?

And Harry for one claims to be a bit of a MH guru?

Ps. Mumsnet please don't move me to the royal family section! This is not just about prince harry, but any role models and celebs who spout this stuff ...

YABU for suggesting Prince Harry is a role model.

A role model if you want to be a big baby lol

Your views are your views. They have different ones to you. Perhaps just teach your children that celebrities should never ever be considered to be role models.

Is Harry really still in the 'public eye'?

Medicines have different effects on different people, I don't think there's anything wrong in saying what worked for him.

🤣🤣ok fair enough! But hli think he might be for some, or certainly wants to be

I don't think the issue is medicine, he was talking about the benefits of illegal drugs

1960s?

Well maybe, but psychedelics in particular have been found in research to be associated with some unpleasant MH symptoms, and cannabis /Marajuana have been linked with psychosis. Not withstanding that, they are ILLEGAL. If celebs or totality were spouting the importance of carrying knives or having a good old punch up with someone (also both against the law) would that be acceptable because they find it beneficial?

Are they illegal where Harry lives?

They're not illegal everywhere though. Cannabis for medicinal use is widespread in the USA.

This ⬆️

I dunno but they are illegal here which is where he lived during the time period he says he was taking them

As drinking goes down, it was inevitable that big companies would promote new things to buy. The advertising and political lobbying campaigns around weed aren't organic - they are expensive and funded - by, of course, those who stand to profit.

By 'here' I mean UK

This

You should do some research into laws and acts, and why and when Cannibis was first made illegal and how that relates to cotton and hemp.
the whole thing is farcical and should never of been made illegal.

Timothy Leary and the Beatles are two that spring to mind more recently Howard Marks I think. Plus pretty much 90 percent of pop stars!

There are studies that show psychedelics can be beneficial in treating complex PTSD. Unfortunately he is self medicating and it's clearly not working. It's a shame that people like him are ruining credible research that could help others who could genuinely benefit.

It's interesting that he feels safe to speak so openly about using illegal drugs in a country like the US. They must have different visa rules for the rich.

Well that's a whole other debate

I came here to wonder about this - surely the role model is chosen by the individual based on their demonstrating behaviour and views that are admired by the person choosing them as their role model? Anyone else in the public eye is just a celebrity and just like private individuals, they'll have their own views and beliefs.

I'm not sure there should be a rulebook all public figures need to follow on what acceptable opinions are - obviously things that are universally immoral (rape, murder, abuse etc) shouldn't be part of their Vogue feature, but lifestyle generally can be a broad spectrum.
If we censored everything that wasn't socially acceptable at various points in time, there'd be a lot less racial integration and a lot more homophobia around, so it's definitely not a bad thing to have a bit of variety!

Cannabis is legal in California and can be sold as a medication. In fact, prior to being made illegal in the last century, it has always been used for both recreational and for medical purposes. Queen Victoria was known to use it regularly, and the Duke of Kent was partial to a line or two of Columbian marching powder, so wasted Royals isn’t a new thing.

There’s a lot of research ongoing with regards to the use of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health difficulties. There are also clinics in the uk currently using these too.

Your favourite (or maybe not) bands and musicians have been doing this for over 50 years.