Netflix Blocks Marijuana Shows in Singapore in Response to Government Demands

Tia Moskalenko
Tia Moskalenko

Tia Moskalenko, author of the AskGrowers blog, brings a unique blend of content to her readers. She is known for conducting insightful interviews with key figures in the cannabis industry, including brand representatives, manufacturers, and experts. In addition to her interview skills, Tia has a keen focus on CBD. She expertly curates product selections and reviews, offering her readers detailed insights into the various effects and benefits of CBD. Tia's ability to combine in-depth interviews with comprehensive CBD analysis makes her a valuable asset to the cannabis community, offering a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

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Netflix Blocks Marijuana Shows in Singapore in Response to Government Demands

What affects a person? From a sociological perspective, various social groups influence individuals by shaping and changing their opinions, values, priorities, and behavior at large. Though the influence of a family, classmates or even the whole nation are still strong, it can hardly be compared to the influence of social media and good old television.

But does it mean that we should ban everything that is not legally available to teens and never show it on the screens? Sounds too abstract for you? Can it be discussed for decades? Well, let us talk about specific examples, then. Three Netflix shows were blocked in Singapore. The reason was simple – marijuana, a prohibited in this state drug, was not only shown but also was part of the plot.

What Are the Reasons to Block Netflix Shows?

Firstly, there is a common misconception about the fact that the so-called ‘marijuana shows’ depict only the positive effects of drug consumption. The claim is that such shows do not show adverse effects of cannabis by avoiding the images of extremely anxious and paranoid persons with red eyes, which is a popular stereotype about cannabis enthusiasts. On the other hand, such shows are not Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – they are not aimed at showing overdose or over-consuming, even in a very artistic way. In some cases, it goes even about a healthcare-oriented medical marijuana documentary Netflix.

Blocked Shows in SingaporeThese are the 3 shows that were blocked:

  • Cooking on High (the name speaks for itself)
  • The legend of 420
  • Disjointed

None of the shows demonstrates the negative effects of consuming drugs. However, it happens not because screenwriters want teens and adults to start smoking cannabis but because that is how the plots of these shows work. Still, this argument is not a good reason to allow broadcasting this show for Singapore. But is this really the main reason why they are blocked along with The Last Temptation of Christ and The Last Hangover?

Maybe a closer look at the country will help understand the real motivation?


Read Also: Informative Marijuana Documentaries to Watch


Death Penalty for Cannabis?

Singapore is known for harsh drug laws. When the rest of the world (okay, a lot of countries and the USA) is taking steps towards full decriminalization of cannabis, the government of this country emphasizes that the punishment is pretty normal – even for possession of super small quantity of marijuana, people get in prisons and pay fines that are worth many thousand of dollars. As for trafficking, it is punishable by death. Yes, everything is that serious in Singapore.

So, some marijuana movies on Netflix were blocked in this country. They still can be watched by people living in other states all around the world. Nevertheless, this situation arouses a very important question.

Does it mean that Singapore is an undeveloped, unprogressive country? Of course, it is not. It is one of the most developed countries in the world with the lowest crime rates. A few decades ago, it was really poor, but one specific person, namely Lee Kuan Yew, changed it all, turning a small town into the richest world trade and business center ever.

Singapore Laws

How did he do it? Well, not only drug trafficking is punishable by death. Corruption is on the list, too. You may say that this is understandable, but why people are jailed or must pay a fortune for smoking a joint? The answer is simple – because even if you throw your chewing gum in the streets, you will pay a huge fine.

That is why we can do nothing but to conclude that this is how things in this country work. Do we have to agree with such restrictions? Do we have to accept such punishments for this kind of crime? Do we have to admit that blocking Netflix shows is okay? Of course, not.

Nevertheless, we cannot deny that Singapore is an independent state with its own rules. It is the state that has come a long way on the path to wealth and rapid development. We should respect its right to set its own rules and, perhaps, expect some adjustments in this policy. After all, progressive trends affect even the most conservative countries.

At least, the good news that consuming cannabis is not a reason for most other countries to block marijuana documentaries on Netflix too.

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