Observing the Shifting Landscape of Psychoactive Drug Use: Changing Norms, Potency, and Policy

The conversation and cultural norms surrounding substances like cannabis have evolved significantly over the past few decades. For individuals who came of age in the late 20th century; particularly those who experienced both Middle Eastern and American contexts, such as Lebanon and Detroit, Michigan, these changes have been especially striking. Shifting from relatively mild perceptions in earlier years to today’s environment marked by increased potency, evolving legal structures, and changing societal attitudes, the trajectory of psychoactive drug use reflects a complex and multifaceted transformation.

This blog explores these developments through the lens of scientific research and social observation, aiming to highlight the interplay between drug chemistry, public perception, and policy. The analysis draws on scholarly literature and insights informed by cross-cultural experience, offering some understanding of how psychoactive substances have come to occupy such a prominent role in contemporary discourse.

The Changing Potency of Psychoactive Drugs: Cannabis as a Case Study

One of the most notable changes in the landscape of psychoactive substances is the dramatic increase in the potency of cannabis. Data from the Drug Enforcement Administration show that THC; the main psychoactive component of cannabis, has risen from about 4% in the mid-1990s to over 16% by 2022 (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2024). This quadrupling of potency is far from a trivial shift; it fundamentally alters how the drug interacts with the brain and body, particularly in adolescents and young adults, whose neurological development remains in progress. This shift is especially concerning from both an educational and parental standpoint. As a college professor of nearly 20 years and a father of two teenagers, I witness the consequences of these evolving trends from multiple vantage points. Within academic settings and everyday family life, signs of normalization around psychoactive substances are increasingly evident. References to drug use are now embedded in school conversations, media, and music; often glamorized in ways that were less prevalent a generation ago. Songs saturated with lyrics glorifying drugs, money, and sex can frame high-risk behavior as desirable or even routine.

Adding to this cultural shift is the alarming rise in the use of THC vapes and nicotine vapes among teenagers. These products; often designed with sleek aesthetics, colorful packaging, and even LED lighting, are clearly marketed to appeal to younger users. Their discreet size and ease of concealment further enable widespread use, often under the radar of parents and educators. Many adolescents hold the misconception that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes or cannabis, yet the reality is far more troubling. These substances carry serious risks, including nicotine addiction, lung injury, and potential impacts on mental health and cognitive development. This intersection of increased cannabis potency, targeted marketing strategies, and the cultural normalization of substance use poses a significant challenge. It is one that demands the attention of parents, educators, policymakers, and public health professionals alike. Simply raising awareness is not enough. What’s required are proactive, evidence-based strategies that engage youth in meaningful dialogue and empower them with critical thinking skills to resist harmful influences.

Reflecting on my own teenage years during the 1980s and early 1990s; whether in Lebanon or in Detroit, Michigan, the contrast is striking. At that time, cannabis was generally less potent and carried different social connotations. Its effects were milder, often associated more with laughter and relaxation than with the intense, sometimes incapacitating experiences reported by users today. While the cultural contexts of Lebanon and Detroit differed in many ways; shaped by regional politics, socioeconomic conditions, and social norms, cannabis use was neither as potent nor as publicly visible as it is now. Today, anecdotal reports from younger family members and students often describe cannabis as overwhelming or anxiety-inducing, reflecting not only the higher THC concentrations but also a broader shift in how these substances are consumed and perceived. The rise in potency has been driven by advances in cultivation, selective breeding, and commercial incentives to produce stronger products that offer quicker and more intense effects. While such potency may appeal to some consumers, it also amplifies the associated risks; ranging from increased anxiety and susceptibility to psychosis, to higher rates of impaired driving and dependency (Marconi et al., 2016; Hasin, 2018).

The Broader Pharmacological Landscape: Risks and Benefits

Psychoactive drugs work by altering biochemical signaling in the brain. Different drugs target different neurotransmitter systems; cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system, stimulants like cocaine increase dopamine and norepinephrine, and benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity (Julien, Advokat, & Comaty, 2021). Each class of drugs carries unique risks and benefits. For example, cannabis shows promise in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and chronic pain (Johnson, 2025; Haddad et al., 2022). Synthetic cannabinoids like Nabilone are FDA-approved for such uses, with carefully controlled dosages (Hassamal & Hassamal 2021).

However, misuse or heavy use of cannabis correlates with negative outcomes, including increased psychosis risk and impaired cognition (Marconi et al., 2016). The risk of lethal overdose from cannabis is extremely low compared to opioids or alcohol, but withdrawal symptoms and cognitive effects remain concerns (Hasin, 2018). Understanding this complexity is crucial, as public debates often reduce cannabis to either a “harmless natural remedy” or a “dangerous addictive drug,” oversimplifying a nuanced issue.

Observing Shifts in Cultural Norms and Public Perception

As cannabis and other drugs have moved from taboo to mainstream, public attitudes have shifted dramatically. The misinformation campaigns of the early 20th century, such as Reefer Madness (Gasnier, 1936), painted exaggerated dangers that many dismissed as propaganda. In the 1980s, programs like D.A.R.E. and “Just Say No” were widely mocked and failed to resonate with youth. During my years in Lebanon and Detroit, the cultural attitudes toward drug use differed. Lebanon’s societal norms and laws were more conservative, while Detroit’s urban environment contended with different challenges, including drug epidemics. Yet in both, cannabis was generally viewed with caution or disapproval, though enforcement and public messaging varied.

Today, cannabis legalization in many states and countries reflects changing norms. Public opinion has swung toward acceptance, sometimes without adequate public education on risks. This creates tension between older generations, who recall the drug’s stigma and dangers, and younger users, who may see it as benign or therapeutic. This generational and cultural shift complicates policy and prevention. Without trustworthy, clear information, young people may underestimate the risks of potent cannabis strains or poly-drug use. Meanwhile, persistent stigma and Schedule I classification at the federal level limit research and perpetuate confusion (United States Drug Enforcement Administration, n.d.).

The Ethical and Policy Dimensions: Decriminalization, Harm Reduction, and Research

From a policy perspective, punitive approaches to cannabis and other drugs have not succeeded in reducing use or harms. Arrests for possession disproportionately impact marginalized communities and burden the criminal justice system (Alexander, 2010). Decriminalization offers a pragmatic alternative. By treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a crime, resources can shift toward education, treatment, and harm reduction; approaches shown to reduce overdose deaths and improve outcomes in places like Portugal (Hughes & Stevens, 2010). At the same time, full legalization without robust research and regulation could have unintended consequences. More honest, transparent research into both benefits and risks of cannabis and other psychoactive drugs is urgently needed.

Reflections: Watching from the Sidelines as Norms and Knowledge Evolve

Having not used psychoactive drugs myself, I observe these changes with a mix of curiosity, caution, and concern. The increasing potency and widespread availability of cannabis and other substances mean the landscape young people navigate today is very different from what I experienced during my teenage years. It is clear that the conversation around psychoactive drugs must become more evidence-based and less ideological. We need honest dialogue about benefits and risks, rooted in scientific research and lived experience. Education systems, healthcare providers, and policymakers must collaborate to provide clear guidance without moralizing or fearmongering. The challenges are significant: balancing individual freedoms with public health, addressing social inequities, and fostering trust in institutions. Yet with thoughtful approaches, it is possible to mitigate harms and harness therapeutic potentials.

The Take Home Message!

The psychoactive drug landscape is rapidly evolving; marked by increasing drug potency, shifting cultural norms, and complex ethical and policy debates that continue to challenge societies around the world. Over several decades and across diverse cultural contexts, it has become clear that addressing drug use requires more than simplistic narratives or punitive responses. The growing complexity demands nuanced, research-informed discussions that acknowledge the scientific realities of pharmacology while also considering social, ethical, and psychological dimensions. Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge, ethical considerations, and the lived experiences of individuals and communities affected by psychoactive substances is essential for meaningful progress. As new substances emerge and traditional ones evolve in potency and form, public understanding often lags behind. This gap creates fertile ground for misinformation, stigma, and policies that may do more harm than good. At the same time, evolving cultural attitudes toward drugs; whether toward cannabis, psychedelics, or prescription medications, reflect broader societal changes in how we view health, wellbeing, and personal autonomy. A comprehensive approach that balances harm reduction with therapeutic potential, public safety, and ethical responsibility is vital. Open, evidence-based dialogue is the cornerstone for developing policies and educational efforts that can reduce harm, enhance prevention, and promote informed choices. By embracing complexity and resisting simplistic good-versus-bad dichotomies, society can foster a more balanced understanding of psychoactive drugs; one that supports safer outcomes and respects individual dignity. This path forward requires collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities, ultimately aiming for a safer and more informed future for all.

Dr. Mohamad H. Termos

References

Alexander, M. (2010). The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. The New Press.

Gasnier, L. J. (1936). Reefer Madness [Film].

Hasin, D. S. (2018). Epidemiology of cannabis use and associated problems. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(1), 195-212. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.198

Hassamal, S., & Hassamal, S. (2021, July 13). The rise in synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. Psychiatric Times, 38(7). https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/

Hughes, C. E., & Stevens, A. (2010). What can we learn from the Portuguese decriminalization of illicit drugs? British Journal of Criminology, 50(6), 999-1022. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azq038

Johnson, B. W., Strand, N. H., Raynak, J. C., Jara, C., Habtegiorgis, K., Hand, B. A., Hong, S., & Maloney, J. A. (2025). Cannabinoids in chronic pain management: A review of the history, efficacy, applications, and risks. Edited by T. M. Brunt. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940634/

Julien, R. M., Advokat, C., & Comaty, J. (2021). Julien’s Primer of Drug Action (14th ed.). Worth Publishers.

Marconi, A., Di Forti, M., Lewis, C. M., Murray, R. M., & Vassos, E. (2016). Meta-analysis of the association between the level of cannabis use and risk of psychosis. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 42(5), 1262-1269. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbw003

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Marijuana research report. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana

United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Drug scheduling. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling