Rule 4: Do not promote or put drugs/alcohol/tobacco/weed/psychedelics/inhalants in a positive light.
Some comrades mentioned in private channels that weed is not addictive, I’m not going to argue on this point because this is a fundamental divide between China and some western countries.
My view is that whether you’re addicted to them or not, you shouldn’t promote these substances or put them in a positive light. It’s fine if you don’t agree with me, but anyone who leaves a comment here arguing the opposite will be banned from the community (30 days for now).
If a lot of people oppose this rule, either by downvotes and/or number of comments, I will willingly step down as moderator of this community.
I start by saying Im a nobody here but Im gonna leave my opinion, if there is a scientific undertanding that some of these drugs may have a positive outcome I think some discussion should be allowed, I have succesfully treated my depression with proffessional therapy and psychodelic mushrooms, I would not be alive if it werent for this substance, and as there is scientific claims that show the same results in many people, and it can potentially save lives, a ban on talking about it would be harmfull in my opinion.
I undertand chinese drug history and I get why you are doing this rule too, maybe add a allow a purelly scientific and data driven discussion?
I can concur with that. Ayahuasca, in a ritualistic setting under the supervision of a trained professional, is really the only thing that provided me with long lasting relief from my depression. I tried various medications and therapists before that, with no success.
Some of these substances might indeed have medicinal use, this does not contradict the idea of anti-promotion. The rule can thus be improved by making more clarifications with the input of other comments here, something like:
Do not promote the use of drugs/alcohol/tobacco/weed/psychedelics/inhalants (for non-medicinal purposes).
The phrase “for non-medicinal purposes” might be open for interpretation so I am against it, but it can be added if needed. I’d also like to add that online forums without verified experts are not the best places for medical advice. Any scientific discussion should be held elsewhere, or strictly limited to information from authoritative sources without subjective opinions of those involved.
Note that there can be ads for alcohol in China but not for tobacco, and both substances are legal for adults. This community rule goes further than the current legal situation in China.