Anti-drug campaigners have expressed their disapproval of Prince Harry after he openly discussed his experiences with drug use.
In a live-streamed interview with therapist Dr Gabor Mate, the Duke of Sussex mentioned how using cannabis, a class B drug, helped him cope with mental health issues following the death of his mother.
Furthermore, he spoke about his positive encounter with the psychedelic drug ayahuasca, claiming that it brought him a sense of relaxation and comfort.
Dr Mate, who advocates for the decriminalization of drugs, has reportedly used ayahuasca to treat patients with mental illness.
The comments made by Prince Harry have raised concerns regarding his involvement with various charities and organizations such as Little Soldiers, Wellchild, and the Invictus Games.
Harry Markleblog wrote that if these entities choose to maintain their association with a known drug user and advocate, they risk losing further support.
The question arises: how can people endorse their work when their patron endorses drug use?
It is crucial for these organizations to consider their own reputations instead of clinging to a toxic royal connection.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, who established a drug education charity in memory of her son Daniel following his accidental death at the age of 16 due to a drug overdose, finds Prince Harry’s comments concerning.
She believes that anything that reinforces drug use as a coping strategy can lead to dependence, as it becomes the primary method of dealing with difficulties.
Spargo-Mabbs adds that while Prince Harry has been open about his drug use, his statement that it helped him is worrisome for young people.
Journalist and doctor Max Pemberton strongly criticized Harry’s remarks, deeming them highly irresponsible.
Pemberton highlights that Prince Harry openly discusses using drugs that are illegal in the country, extolling the benefits he has derived from substances like cannabis and ayahuasca.
Pemberton emphasizes that Prince Harry seems to have no understanding of the severe damage these substances can inflict on users, damage that he witnesses all too frequently in mental health hospitals.
Television presenter Kirstie Alsop also expressed her disdain, stating that Harry’s actions are soaked in blood.
In a tweet, she urged someone to inform Prince Harry that “county lines” does not refer to drug use in affluent areas, but rather to the devastating impact drugs have on those who suffer from trauma and live far removed from his privileged bubble.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s recent discussion about his drug use has sparked criticism from anti-drug campaigners and individuals directly affected by substance abuse.