The Macau SAR Government has long committed to the fight against drugs and has carried out substantial rehabilitation work, with a focus on social reintegration, which is commendable. However, the dynamics in this area are constantly changing, particularly regarding the nature of the drugs, the ease of trafficking, and evolving international concepts, all of which pose challenges to Macau’s three-tiered drug abuse prevention mechanism and its supervisory system.
In recent years, several new drugs have gained international popularity, often disguised as snacks, coffee capsules, and other forms. These drugs are less toxic than traditional ones, and many people try them out of curiosity in bars, private parties, or under the persuasion of others. Unknowingly, they end up becoming addicted. Recently, some offenders have mixed Etomidate in electronic cigarettes and used attractive packaging to entice young people into trying them. These new drugs, with deceptive packaging, also cause drug users, especially the youth, to refuse seeking help for addiction because they do not consider themselves to be using drugs. Even when some people recognize the problem, they are afraid of being labeled as “addicts” and feel ashamed to ask for help. Since drug users often lack a sense of illness and resist seeking help, the Macau SAR Government should introduce more early intervention measures.
According to the “Central Drug Dependence Registry System of Macau,” the number of reported drug users in 2023 dropped by 65% compared to the pre-pandemic period, and the overall situation is relatively low. However, comparing the past five years, methamphetamine is now the main drug of abuse, with the use of cannabis on the rise. Currently, some countries and regions have legalized cannabis consumption, and various cannabis by-products, such as accessories, tea bags, gummies, and candles, have become popular, creating a “cannabis economy.” Online information about cannabis also influences public perception: many people, especially the youth, mistakenly believe that cannabis is harmless and poses no risks, ignoring its toxicity. This leads them to experiment recklessly when they travel or study outside of Macau. Some even end up bringing cannabis by-products back to Macau, unknowingly breaking the law.
Faced with the international trend of cannabis legalization and the impact of misleading online information on young people, public education and awareness campaigns must be reinforced, and it is crucial to provide accurate information to the youth. The Government needs to design and implement a series of awareness campaigns to clarify the dangers of drugs like cannabis, using scientific data and real-life examples. It is essential to raise public awareness about drug prevention, especially among young people.