Do you think marijuana is a gateway drug?

Question

I don’t think it is. I think the facts have been misrepresented.

One of the reasons why people think this is would be because SO many people have done pot, then if you look at the number of people that have done other things, then you have, on the surface, a convincing argument.

The problem with this is you need to focus on the percentage, not the actually numbers.

Using the logic of only looking at the numbers, you can say anything that is common is a gateway to anything else. Just look at all the people in North America that like Baseball. Now look at the number, not the percentage of those that have EVER tried cocaine. Baseball must be a gateway to cocaine.

The people that say that it is a gateway drug have probably never even tried it and don’t know enough people to accurately gauge the accuracy of the statement.

Answer 1

actually i think alcohol is more of a 'gateway' drug than anything else. it is available and legal (to those of legal age) and it's easier to get than marijuana for the most part. and since alcohol lowers inhibition and rational thought, someone who has had alcohol is more likely to try something else, like cocaine, marijuana, heroin etc. at least that is my personal experience. i have abused drugs and alcohol since i was 16. i'm 23 now (clean and sober) but i've been there and i know i have made some terrible descisions while under the influence of alcohol. (like trying intravenous drugs and driving impaired)

Answer 2

It's not a gateway drug, and you are absolutely right that it has been misrepresented.

I think Alcohol and Tobacco are the gateway drugs. Even from a young age, kids are exposed to adults using/abusing alcohol and tobacco. That's where they got their ideas that intoxicants exist in this world. Compound that with the "forbidden fruit factor" and it starts to look more appealing.

Marijuana is just readily available, so it is the scapegoat for the ignorant to blame drug abuse on. How silly it is that people think there's a difference between drinking a beer and smoking a joint, especially since marijuana is far less harmful.

Answer 3

Marijuana is a gateway drug because it's illegal. In order to get it, people have to go to someone who deals illegal drugs. So they go for marijuana, and the person asks, "Would you like to try some crank?" Whereas, people buying legal drugs like alcohol rarely ever get offered crank by their suppliers.

Prohibition failed before and it's failing again. Just like before, prohibition is increasing crime. The main reason why people don't engage in illegal activities is the belief that they ought not do it. Since there's no clear evidence justifying marijuana being illegal (it's probably less harmful than alcohol or tobacco), it's hard to convince people not to buy marijuana. Which means that people buying a relatively harmless drug are exposed to much more dangerous drugs.

Alcohol and tobacco (being legal) can be regulated. Drug dealers don't card. In fact, these days it seems like it's easier for kids to get marijuana then alcohol.

So long as marijuana continues to be illegal, it will continue to be a gateway drug.

Answer 4

I don't know that much about this topic, but I would think that any drug would be a gateway drug. A person who tries one kind might be tempted to try the others to see if they are better/worse.

Answer 5

I think alcohol is really the gateway drug. It leads people to try things they would normally not. I have two cousins that are drug addicts. I think alcohol really played a factor in them trying other things.

Answer 6

No. It is just the least "harsh" in most peoples eyes. So it is tried first... more readily available too.

Answer 7

I agree with you. It is only the mental perception. You can accept or ignore anything on your mental matureness. If you think it is the gateway, it is. but if you think it is not; then it is not. It all depends on ourself.

Answer 8

wow this is deep, you're right though

Answer 9

I think it is.

Answer 10

puff puff give !