Opponents of marijuana legalization argue that marijuana leads to the abuse of other illicit substances. There is plenty of information out there to suggest that this is true, but you can also find research that suggests the opposite.
We’re going to take a look at both sides of the argument in an unbiased way.
Marijuana as a Gateway Drug
Let’s look at some facts.
After some simple googling, I found myself at drugabuse.gov, which is operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Their main mission is to conduct studies and research on anything related to drug abuse.
They have a massive list of studies entirely dedicated to drug abuse research and they have evidence for supporting both theories.
This study, for example, found that 44.7% of lifetime cannabis users eventually progressed to using other illicit substances at some point in their lives. Though, the study is inconclusive in finding the reasons why that happened.
The study could not say whether the “gateway drug” effect was purely biological, social, mental, or geographical.
44.7% is still a very big number!
This study makes a strong case to the theory that marijuana users are more likely to move on to other illicit substances.
Marijuana: NOT a Gateway Drug
There are many cases being made to suggest that marijuana has the OPPOSITE effect of a gateway drug.
After exploring the website “NORML” (National Organization of Reforming Marijuana laws) I found plenty of studies that suggest marijuana does NOT give way to other substance abuse.
This study in particular found that marijuana may even reduce the cravings for crack-cocaine and opioid use.
Another study found that in a lot of cases, alcohol and tobacco were used before any marijuana experimentation.
Going against popular belief, there is actually plenty of research that supports both theories of marijuana as a gateway drug.
Marijuana use in Young People
We would like to think (as a society) that the push against marijuana legalization has much to do with protecting young people from harming themselves and the rest of their lives.
Why else have these debates about marijuana as a gateway drug?
Whether or not marijuana use gives way to other substance abuse, I think it’s important to mention the effects that marijuana has on a young adult’s bodily development.
Most researchers agree that marijuana use in teens and young adults causes delayed development in the brain.
Take this study for example.
Researchers found that introducing marijuana in young rats caused a reduced reaction to natural dopamine responses later in adulthood.
What this is suggesting is that marijuana use in vulnerable stages of maturation (like puberty) causes one’s natural dopamine reward system to be dampened.
As I mentioned in the first paragraph, most researchers have difficulty excluding variables like an individuals’ living environment, psychological predispositions, geography, etc. from affecting the conclusions of their studies.
But what we can say for sure, is that young adults who use marijuana are likely to alter their brain functions and responses later on in life.
Conclusion
The debate about marijuana as a gateway drug has been ongoing for quite some time.
With the recent awareness being brought to marijuana and cannabis in general, we now have more and more data that have garnered proponents from both sides of the argument.
Because there is such strong for both sides, it should be up to the individual to do their own research and muster their own opinion in the matter.
Mind-altering substances are never to be taken lightly and that includes substances like marijuana.
If your child or someone you know is thinking about trying marijuana, perhaps you could point them to this article so they can better arm themselves with knowledge before making a decision to partake.