The Controversial Anti-Marijuana Ad Featuring Sarah: Reactions and Reflections

An anti-marijuana ad featuring a character named Sarah has stirred up a mix of nostalgia, criticism, and reflection among viewers. The ad opens with a concerned friend asking, "So, Sarah, what's going on here? Sarah? Sarah?" Sarah, however, remains unresponsive, sitting lethargically on the couch. The friend continues, "She won't answer you. Or, she can't. Why not? This is the way it's been since she started smoking pot. She's all lazy and boring and... You know, we used to have so much fun together. And now? This is what we do."

This commercial has generated a strong reaction online. One user recalled, "Wow, I actually remember seeing this on TV. Really disturbed me as a kid." Another user remarked, "Where's the lie though, this is me every night," highlighting the relatability of the ad's depiction of marijuana's effects.

Some viewers found the ad to be a stark representation of reality. One comment recounted a different anti-marijuana ad: "A kid, like 12 or so, walking around his house talking about his older brother who smokes pot. He's like 'My brother never ran over any kids at a drive through,' while he's picking up around the house, closing cabinet doors, etc. 'My brother never deflated and lost all his bones,' 'My brother never shot himself or a friend.' The kid heads down into the basement, down a set of stereotypical rickety basement stairs, into a hazy dark room. 'My brother never did any of that stuff you see on TV,' he says, and walks over to the couch in the basement, awash in television glow and surrounded by smoke. There sits his brother, dirty and disheveled, eyes half open, unshaven, near a pile of trash, in some sweatpants and a dirty hoody. 'My brother never did much of anything at all.' says the kid."

This narrative underscores the sentiment that while marijuana may not lead to extreme behaviors shown in some anti-drug ads, it can contribute to a lack of motivation and inactivity. A user commented, "It can make you okay with being bored. This is awesome sometimes, but this is not a healthy baseline for a human being."

The ad's realistic portrayal of marijuana's effects on daily life resonated with some users. "Honestly I respected this ad when it came out, even though I was a huge pot smoker. Mainly because at least they aren’t spreading propaganda about the health effects, focusing instead on the fairly accurate real outcome of vegging out on a couch instead," one comment read.

Others, however, viewed the ad with skepticism and humor. "This is us on social media," one user quipped, while another said, "I love when Family Guy referenced this commercial." Another suggested, "She should really switch to a sativa. Indica will do that to you every time."

Despite the varied reactions, the ad has sparked meaningful discussions about marijuana use, its portrayal in media, and its impact on individuals' lives. Whether seen as a cautionary tale or a humorous exaggeration, the ad featuring Sarah continues to be a topic of conversation and reflection.