Is Cannabis A Gateway Drug?

[ToraToraTora]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50494610
Not every one who takes it moves on to harder drugs but everyone on harder drugs started on Cannabis.

[Ken4155]

"Everyone on harder drugs started on Cannabis." Really? What about the party goers whose first experience of any kind of drugs was popping a few 'E's?

[emmie]

i hate the idea of drugs, in particular cannabis, i know some parts of cannabis can help in medicinal ways, but i have first hand knowledge of it's destructiveness, having brothers who both smoked dope. One is a schizophrenic who's life has gone, contributing to that was all the dope and other drugs he imbibed. Many of my brothers friends all smoked dope and many are now long dead.

[ummmm]

It's not often you can get hold of a few dope cakes. Many non smokers have never tried it.

[TheDevil]

ToraToraTora - "everyone on harder drugs started on Cannabis."

What nonsense.

Alcohol is the leading gateway drug.

[emmie]

no it wasn't back in the 60's, it was uppers and downers, pills which made you somewhat manic. As i said i know quite a bit about this having watched two brothers and countless of their friends go through it.

[TheDevil]

The main issue with cannabis is people give it such a bad reputation that when people try it they think "all those misconceptions".

The issue is they may then think that other drugs are based on faulty thinking. So they go on to try them.

One thing is for sure, Alcohol has lead to more drug use, and bad decisions than cannabis ever has and ever will.

Regarding the OP though, "Is Cannabis A Gateway Drug?". The article clearly states that there is not nearly enough evidence as to whether or not marijuana is a gateway drug.

[ToraToraTora]

I wondered how long it would be before alcohol was brought in, not long, it seems we cannot discuss drugs without bringing alcohol into the discussion.

[TheDevil]

Alcohol by every definition is a drug.

[TheDevil]

Not to mention how many times it was mentioned by the article that you provided to support your original post. You could say that you bought alcohol into debate.

"However, it adds that cannabis is not unique - alcohol and nicotine have a similar effect. And it states that the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, "harder" substances."

And it states that the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, "harder" substances.

[davebro]

It is for some and more so because it's illegal and leads users into contact with criminals eager to supply them with whatever they can make most money from.

[ToraToraTora]

alcohol may be a drug technically but most people don't think of it as one.

[TheDevil]

ToraToraTora - "alcohol may be a drug technically but most people don't think of it as one."

That means nothing though.

[The Builder]

It is inescapable that some lives have been ruined by excessive use of recreational cannabis (usually skunk.)

But... maybe for every one incidence, there must be ten thousand others who have gone unscathed.
Then, after University, they go on to be doctors, lawyers, judges etc. And, I know at least one cleric who tokes regularly. ;o)

In the main, it is no more of a gateway than a sherbet fountain is to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

[pixie374]

No, there are no "gateway drugs". Different people try different things, but they do not necessarily lead to each other.
Cannabis, smoked regularly, and longterm, is as "hard" as any other drug... at least with the issues it causes.
Everyone who smokes harder drugs, didn't necessarily start with cannabis though.
Different drugs have different effects and is very personal.
Alcohol is favoured with people who have anxiety.
LSD with people who have ADHD... etc.
Sometimes, it is an attempt at self- medication.

[maggiebee]

//In the main, it is no more of a gateway than a sherbet fountain is to obesity and type 2 diabetes.//
Love the analogy builder and, with your permission, may use it in the future.

[TheDevil]

"Cannabis, smoked regularly, and longterm, is as "hard" as any other drug... at least with the issues it causes."

Cannabis is not a "hard drug".

Comparing cannabis to hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin is a joke.

[The Builder]

Haha, do go ahead Maggie ;o)

[mallyh]

emmie i'm with you all the way on this . x

[pixie374]

It isn't classed as one, thedevil, no. But is strongly linked to paranoia and schizophrenia- particularly when smoked heavily in teenage years. So it isn't a "harmless" drug, either.

[Cloverjo]

The Devil//Cannabis is not a "hard drug"//
It’s not a ‘soft’ drug either. It’s much stronger than it was in the 60s and 70s, and can lead to psychosis and other terrible mental afflictions. It worries me.