JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. (420CanNews) — Like a stealth bomber delivering unseen but lethal damage to a budding cannabis community, unspoken bias against marijuana often flies under the radar. The latest example comes with the debut of Meta’s new social media app, Threads, which hosts a seemingly helpful feature that offers drug-treatment resources to people searching “marijuana.” While obviously helpful, at the same time, it also blows a big dog whistle.
The sin is one of selective exclusion. The trigger that activates the offer from this and other social threads doesn’t apply to more commonly used, potentially addictive substances such as alcohol and tobacco, which can also lead to serious health problems if misused.
Drug-Warning Inconsistencies
Social threads and specifically Meta’s launch of what many have dubbed the new Twitter alternative in Threads, warns users about drug-related content and offers help finding treatment resources. However, the system doesn’t give warnings for searches about alcohol and tobacco, causing concerns among users and critics. Media outlets are asking Meta to clarify the situation, but an official response is still pending. Many people are questioning the lack of clarity.
Impact on Cannabis Users and Businesses
Similar triggers stifle cannabis companies and media platforms catering to the industry, with many social threads and social media networks filtering out their content from users because of their use of terms like “marijuana” and “cannabis.”. As with the social Threads warning system, a debate has emerged from the cannabis community, with some people worrying about the stigma surrounding marijuana. If addiction is the concern, why don’t social threads and other social media networks filter products like alcohol and tobacco? Currently, media and cannabis companies struggle to avoid words that trigger these filters, diminishing their ability to communicate with the public.
Other Cannabis and Social Media Developments
Several social media marketing apps and tech companies have changed their rules about cannabis-related content. Some benefit the marijuana industry, while others don’t. Here are some of those changes:
- Google permits advertising FDA-approved CBD daily products with limited THC, but only in certain states.
- Twitch prohibits promoting marijuana but allows partnerships with alcohol in its new branding policy.
- Apple added features to track medication and provide information on drug interactions, including marijuana, for iPhone users.
- In 2021, Apple removed restrictions on cannabis companies, so weed delivery apps like Eaze are allowed on the App Store. If people want to know how to start a marijuana delivery service, they can now use the app.
As the new social Threads app gains traction, its drug-content warning system receives praise and criticism. While commendable, the inconsistency in flagging drug-related content raises concerns among cannabis users. Ultimately, media organizations and cannabis businesses must have microbusiness license and navigate the app’s filters surrounding cannabis-related content, proving how much more the industry must travel to move past stereotypes.
— Story Filed By 420CanNews Staff
Here’s More Information on the Topic:
Meta-Owned Social Media App Threads Direct Users to Drug Treatment Help When Searching Marijuana or Psychedelics—but Not Alcohol or Cigarettes
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/meta-owned-social-media-app-threads-directs-users-to-drug-treatment-help-when-searching-marijuana-or-psychedelics-but-not-alcohol-or-cigarettes/
Meta’s Threads Directs Cannabis & Psychedelics Users to Rehab Help, but Alcohol and Tobacco Are No Biggie
https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/07/33141236/metas-threads-directs-cannabis-psychedelics-users-to-rehab-help-but-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-no-b
Meta-Owned Social Media App Threads Direct Users to Drug Treatment Help
https://growcola.com/meta-owned-social-media-app-threads-directs-users-to-drug-treatment-help-when-searching-marijuana-or-psychedelics-but-not-alcohol-or-cigarettes/
