Often, I have seen ads that contain the phrase “drug-free” or something similar. For years, I wondered, just what does it mean to be “drug-free”?

The term “drug” is difficult to define precisely. I suppose even oxygen could be called a drug, as it can be prescribed by a doctor. It does raise the question: What exactly is “drug-free”? If I were to challenge an advertisement with this claim, how would I go about it?

So, I purchased a product, and the label has in large letters, “Drug Free.” Can I believe it? I decided to consult the all-knowing internet. Not much help there, at least from my perspective.

Perhaps there is a medical book that defines it, or a legal dictionary. I do not know. Mostly, the internet simply jumps to traces of drugs in the blood, which has nothing to do with that stuff I picked up off the shelf.

As near as I could tell from an hour of searching, a drug is something not in a normal diet and is taken for the purpose of medicating.

While many might be swayed by the latest marketing claims, I prefer to maintain a skeptical perspective. This particular assertion seems more like a calculated promotional strategy designed to capture attention rather than convey substantive information. Consequently, I’ll approach it with measured indifference, recognizing it as likely another hollow attempt to generate buzz.

Actually, that is not entirely true. At least I’ll know it has no opioids in it. That’s nice to know.