Marijuana use is “being normalized” on TikTok where the #StonerTok community is sharing entertaining experiences. New research from Drug and Alcohol Review found that cannabis use discussed on TikTok is overall portrayed positively. Based on analysis of relevant hashtags (#weed) humor/entertainment makes up over 70% of weed related content, the most common theme, in which cannabis use is portrayed through “comedic skits and storytimes” that gained viewership by amassing pro-cannabis use communities. While TikTok has tried to regulate drug-related content by removing hashtags that refer to it directly, users often create workarounds (#w33d) to post the content anyway. YPulse research shows Millennials are smoking more weed than ever and 40% reported they have tried marijuana, and the number who believe marijuana is extremely harmful to a person’s health and well-being has decreased from 22% in 2018 to 14% in 2021. (PsyPost)
