The Gateway Drug in respect to cannabis is just a myth perpetuated by the anti-pot propagandists-
Fact:- The vast majority of drug users (ie, illegal drugs, including pot) started with tobacco and/or alcohol.
Fact:- 60% of heroin and cocaine users smoked pot before they got onto the other.
Fact:- 80% of people who start smoking pot *never* go on to use heavier/harder drugs.
Fact:- Every study conducted in places where marijuana has been decriminalized show no increase in cocaine, meth and heroin use. There is some evidence to show an increase in weed smokers. However, this could be attributed to more people admitting to using the drug through less fear of persecution or prosecution.
One would expect, if the 'gateway' myth were true, there would be a marked increase in hard drug users in those places.
Given those facts, it would be reasonable to call weed a 'terminus' drug. Meaning it is a drug people stop at, rather than move on from. |