Gateway Theory Disproven: Cannabis Discourages Use of Hard Drugs

[Wehr]

This study shows that marijuana leads to less drug use, not more as is commonly cited by law enforcement and others with interest in keeping strict marijuana laws. Perhaps gateway theory actually developed as a effect of marijuana prohibition - it makes sense that if a distributer has to be a criminal, said distributer would likely offer other, harder, ‘contraband.’

A ground-breaking study of 4117 marijuana smokers in California1 reveals that the ‘Gateway Theory’ probably had it backwards. Instead of enticing young people to use other drugs, this study suggests that marijuana may have the opposite effect.
This first-ever clinical examination of a large number of medical marijuana applicants depicts a population that is remarkably normal. The percentages earning bachelors’ degrees and doctorates are nearly identical to the national numbers. They are, in the main, productive citizens with jobs, homes and families who smoke marijuana weekly or daily – and have in some cases for decades.
For the vast majority of these applicants, their use of cannabis ultimately led to a decrease in the use of tobacco, alcohol, and hard drugs. Asked to compare their current alcohol consumption with their lifetime peak, over 10% claimed to be abstinent and nearly 90% claimed to have cut their drinking in half.
They also report using cannabis as self medication for stress and anxiety – with fewer side effects than the legal pharmaceutical alternatives.
As children, a significant percentage of the male applicants had been treated for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Today their routine morning use of minimal amounts of cannabis strongly suggests that it enhances their ability to concentrate by allowing them to focus on one problem at a time.
As one construction company estimator said, “After two hits and my morning coffee, I’m the best estimator in the company.”

Reputation Comments on this post:

thanks for thread...

[Richi]

Link here: Harm Reduction Journal

Long term marijuana users seeking medical cannabis in California (2001–2007): demographics, social characteristics, patterns of cannabis and other drug use of 4117 applicants. – Thomas J O'Connell and Ché B Bou Matar

Reputation Comments on this post:

thanks for link

[fiveleggedrat]

Once a smarter human realizes they can enjoy drug induced fun without all the nasty issues that come with other things *cough ALCOHOL cough*, humans will continue to enjoy said fun.

[dyingtomorrow]

SWIM believes in the gateway theory, but not because of any chemical component of marijuana.

It's because the government and DARE officers and all kinds of government assholes lie their asses off about it trying to scare people, then the kid tries it and finds out it was all lies, and then isn't afraid to keep trying new things since they disbelieve all the warnings now.