One gateway drug it is a substance that, if consumed, leads to the use of other hard drugs. The theory that the cannabis whether part of these arises from the misinformation campaign that demonized this plant, inevitably leading to its prohibition. But is it really like that?
No, absolutely. Cannabis is a remarkably substance non-toxic that you've never caused one death from overdose and, contrary to prohibitionist theses, it does not induce the consumption of other substances, on the contrary, it is useful for reduce other dependencies.
Why is cannabis considered a gateway drug?
The idea that cannabis is a gateway drug, that is, a psychoactive substance whose use encourages experimentation with more intense effects, often sought in hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin, is completely wrong. But where was it born?
This false belief has its roots in American prohibitionism which in the 1930s made its way by defaming and criminalizing a plant that has always accompanied man throughout his history. Then culminated in Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, the law that officially made cannabis illegal in the United States. But why did this happen?
Eco-sustainable source of high-quality and resistant paper. Useful for the production of zero-impact bio plastic and bio fuels. From the fiber capable of making the best fabrics. With incredible therapeutic properties, whose Seeds are a superfood beneficial for health, hemp is a versatile plant with a thousand uses that it put the businesses of the largest American giants at risk.
The big names in plastic, paper, fuel and medicine have teamed up under the scrupulous guidance of Harry Aslinger, fervent prohibitionist and then director of the Bureau of Prohibition, to ban a plant allied with man in favor of the God of money.
But like a phoenix rising from its ashes, hemp is having its revenge. More and more countries are reevaluating its use and opting for it for legalization. First of all America, land of prohibitionism, where 21 states recognize all its uses and up to 37 authorize its therapeutic use.
What the studies say
One of the first studies that broke the 'switch theory' was conducted by scholars at the New York Academy of Medicine. This study, in addition to being among the most exhaustive, openly states that “marijuana consumption it doesn't lead to an addiction to morphine, heroin, or cocaine. And cases in which the habit of smoking marijuana is associated with dependence on these narcotics are extremely rare."
Another one research, published in the scientific journal Psychological Medicine, carried out in collaboration withUniversity of Colorado and fromUniversity of Minnesota up 4 thousand twins, of which 40% in a state where the recreational use of cannabis is legal, Colorado, and 60% where it is not: Minnesota.
The study analyzed individuals at two separate moments: before 2013, the historic date for Colorado which legalized cannabis in the state, and after, taking into account the possible variables that could influence the result achieved, including: use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other illicit substances and any consequences on mental health.
the Dr. Christian Hopfer, co-author of the study, stated that “as regards the moderate use of cannabis, which was true for the majority of subjects, legalization does not appear to increase the risk of substance use disorders“.
Cannabis to treat alcohol addiction
Is marijuana a gateway drug to other addictions? Far from it, can help you detox. The proof comes from a study conducted in the United States which found that in countries where cannabis is legal, alcohol use disorders decrease (AUD) compared to states where cannabis is still illegal.
