One of the reasons Erin and I are using pseudonyms on this site is the legality of the things we want to discuss. Because these substances are illegal, there are certain social stigmas around them. We’re going to lose potential readers who would enjoy stories about our sexual shenanigans because we are also promoting recreational drug use, and people grew up believing drugs are evil.
That’s part of the reason we’re not “out” to our real-life, long-time friends: I know that some of them would not approve of our experimentation even as we explain all the wonderful benefits these substances have had on our relationship and our lives.
Substances like MDMA, maurijuana, and psychedelics aren’t evil. In fact, no substance is evil, and vilifying any of them is why we as a society look down upon those who have become addicted.
Basic ethics classes teach that just because something is legal does not make it moral, and just because something is illegal does not make it immoral. Zooming down the interstate at 85 miles per hour has no moral implications at all. Although the rise and fall of Prohibition changed the legal status of alcohol, the morality of drinking remained the same throughout.
Legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana is on the rise, but marijuana is still a Schedule I drug federally.
The Lies We Were Taught
I remember the anti-drug propaganda they fed to us as kids. The campaign relied upon misinformation and fear-mongering. Simply put: Drugs are bad.
Though only certain drugs. Prescription drugs and those sold over the counter, those are fine. But otherwise, say no to drugs! Even marijuana. It might not be so bad, but it’s a gateway drug that will lead you to heavier drugs like heroin and cocaine and LSD, the really bad drugs. The ones that will kill you.
Pay no attention to the fact that prescription opioids are a bigger gateway to heroin than marijuana: According to John Oliver’s report on Last Week Tonight, “around 75% of heroin users got started on prescription opioid.” Some opioid abusers credit weed and psychedelics with helping them ease off their usage of painkillers and heroin. I know a few personally.
But no, marijuana and psychedelics have the social stigma of being bad or evil, and prescription painkillers are just fine…until a point. And usually it’s the user who is blamed when that line is crossed, not the addictive nature of the drugs themselves.
Drugs Have No Moral Value
Drugs, themselves, have no morality. Taking an illegal substance is an action without a moral value, just like drinking alcohol or popping a prescribed opioid. Any immoral action taken by someone under the influence of an illegal substance has the same moral accountability as while not on a substance or while on a legal substance like alcohol or a prescribed opioid.
By making substances illegal, by applying a label of them being bad or immoral, we lose the ability to talk openly and honestly about the benefits, and we end up vilifying those who take them, which can prevent those in need from seeking help, whether that be someone in the thralls of an overdose who is worried about the legal ramifications of calling 9-1-1 or someone who is addicted and refuses rehab.
That said, their are behaviors around substance use that are immoral. Let’s address those behaviors with…
The Six Commandments of Substance Use
Thou shall not give someone a substance without their knowledge or consent.
Even if you think you know best, it is not OK to dose people with a substance they don’t want. There are times when Erin and I see strife in another couple’s relationship and think, “If only we could slip them some MDMA, they could work it out.” But we would never do it.
This commandment also applies to giving people more than they consent to take. If someone says they are comfortable with 2g of shrooms, do not decide that’s not enough and give 3g without warning them. Which leads perfectly into…
Thou shall not pressure someone into taking more of a substance than they want.
If you are experienced with the substance in question, offer guidance. Have an open dialog about what the other person wants to get from the experience and make recommendations. I do it when giving others MDMA and psychedelic; my friends trust my knowledge. But I don’t lean on people to go deeper.
Thou shall not take advantage of someone under the influence.
This should be obvious, but I’ll be clear: This applies even when the person in question consented to the taking the substance (rather than if they were drugged unknowingly). Basically, don’t be a dick. That includes purposefully harshing someone’s trip by injecting negativity or inducing paranoia. Not cool.
Thou shall help others who are having a bad experience (if thou knowst how).
Doctors, EMT’s, and people with CPR training are expected to help if the situation calls for it. If you have knowledge about a substance and can help someone who is having a bad time, do it. If you don’t have the experience or don’t think you can help but you know someplace the person can go (many festivals have safe spaces and people there for this purpose), either guide the person there or bring someone back.
Thou shall not deceive others about the substance provided.
This is similar to Commandment 1, but what I mean here is that it is immoral to cut substances with other chemicals or lie about what you are giving someone.
Thou shall not sow false information about substances, no matter thou’s intent.
It is immoral to lie about the effects of drugs, whether you are trying to downplay the negative effects of a substance or extoll its virtues. This includes the propaganda campaigns meant to stop children from experimenting with drugs. Anecdotal evidence is acceptable, as long as it is honest and properly noted as being anecdotal.
Unfounded, untrue, exaggerations about what “drugs” (unspecified, as if all drugs were the same) do to your brain isn’t useful and it isn’t moral. At least the 90s update with Rachel Leigh Cook specified the egg was heroin, which is highly addictive and is more likely to ruin lives. I was pleased to see the 2017 update (also with Rachel Leigh Cook) that focused on how the “war on drugs” movement overly penalized actions that are not immoral.
Drugs Aren’t Bad, Just Illegal
And that’s it! Just Six Commandments of Substance Use to follow to keep you on the side of righteous. At some point I’ll write the Golden Rules of Safe Substance Use, and we’ll be all set.
Until then, do your own research and make your own decisions. Here on The Fringe, we will share our stories and experiences. We will provide resources for you to start learning more about these substances. A;so, we will answer your questions and engage in honest conversation. We will not judge.
We hope you do us the same courtesy.