Drugs, among the general population in Akira, have little symbolism. The sellers of them, like The Capsules and The Clowns, want to make ends meet, and the buyers simply want to have a good time.

That being said, drugs do take on a large spiritual significance with the Espers, Akira, Tetsuo, and Lady Miyako. Most of what is said about drugs, unfortunately for those who have just seen the movie, is in the books. Lady Miyako, who makes a movie appearance as the cult leader for about five seconds, goes into the most detail about taking them.