September 2, 2010 12:50 PM

Marijuana a "Gateway" Drug? Scientists Call Theory Half-Baked

By
Aina Hunter
Topics
News

Marijuana's "gateway" effect is overblown, researchers say. (istockphoto)

(CBS) If you grew up in the era of Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No," you are likely familiar with the idea that marijuana is a "gateway drug," and that smoking it leads young people to use "hard" drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Now, a new study says that message is half-baked.

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire say pot serves as a "gateway" to other drugs mainly for young people who are poor, unemployed, and subjected to severe psychological stress. 

In other words, it's not about pot but about the potholes young people encounter on the road of life.

"There seems to be this idea that we can prevent later drug problems by making sure kids never smoke pot," lead researcher Dr. Karen Van Gundy, associate professor of sociology at the university, told CBS News. "But whether marijuana smokers go on to use other illicit drugs depends more on social factors like being exposed to stress and being unemployed - not so much whether they smoked a joint in the eighth grade."

The researchers based their findings on survey data from 1,286 young adults who attended Florida public schools in Miami-Dade.

Read more here.

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by jimpwhite September 9, 2010 5:23 PM EDT
Back at ya- thinksmart: I have read the research (flawed as it is in a pro tobbaco lobby funding aspect), and just because your framing your research to fit the debate...maybe, you may wish to wonder.
..if DNA is altered in next generation addicts from
grain, and barly of drink? Is it not also possable in the nano-DNA world the same occurs with mary jane? Cut the root of pot, coke and that which filters into water changes its structure. See the Doc-film "Flow"...and then have the courage to "spew" your not-so-smartthink alter ego, as, think dumb in denial-state of the first degree. Coy is the first nosos of apathy, apathy is in most cases a drug user or abuser? And just because you have not heard of MA doesn't mean it does not exist in the "real world" VR jw.
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by jimpwhite September 9, 2010 4:56 PM EDT
Let the experts in medicine "unchain your brains"
so called social science who wrote the article that may have a hidden agenda. All drugs, gateway regardless of "social-economic" class
structures. Its the "humble drugs" and denial states o those who see it as a possible solution to "taxs"...please. Why give license to harm? Would you give sugar to a diabedic? create the danger to kids.
http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/3747/case-of-the-week-carmelo%e2%80%94teenager-on-drugs/
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by tij12345 September 3, 2010 2:28 PM EDT
The TITLE of the article is misleading. The title of the article should be "Marijuana serves as a "gateway" to other drugs mainly for young people who are poor, non-HS grads, unemployed, and subjected to severe psychological or perceived stress."
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by jimpwhite September 3, 2010 3:01 PM EDT
@ts12345...pot grows on both sides of fence, and yes your ture to reflect the demographically "insentivite" research they did...by that measurement it is flawed. There are "ony two types of honest research in the human study...vulnable & non-vul. The question in there research is the selection process...and the researchers-mailed out the surveys "chain of research is broken" as the second flaw for dialogs to insure. I think the researcher is in the state of new hampshire...are they wishing to start a new farming co-op as a deeper motive to even have this flawed research circulate?
by ohamkrw September 3, 2010 11:26 AM EDT
It is a shame that the federal government and hence U.S. educators insist on exaggerating the dangers of marijuana and denying the medical benefits. This is simply being untruthful about marijuana, which destroys the credibility of educators, counselors, etc. The youth of America can get more reliable information about marijuana from street drug dealers than they can from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director
Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
Trenton, NJ 08618
ohamkrw@aol.com
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by jimpwhite September 3, 2010 1:26 PM EDT
Mr. Wolski,There is no shame in truths...and you may have a hidden agenda your paid by lobbyists? To see maryjane become available. I'll leave it to your distorted free world=opinions to work it out as you have soooomany title's as an "expert" In as much as you wish to place blame outside your circle of influence...maybe looking at the science may help.....The Department of Veterans Affairs, its "MD's PHD and more importently the veterans themselves in research...disagree with your lobbying efforts. In Re,VR The youth, and the gangs, and the foster kids will get a better "high" from truth in mentorship, than a joint, leagal or no. And just cause your title "medical" says it....it just "ain't so" i have more confidence listening our reading the comments of a dishwasher a been there done that observation method than the "lobby methodology of promotion. Truly VR, Jim,
by logiclogiclogiclogic September 2, 2010 11:10 PM EDT
drugs, just like anything else in life, if used appropriately and responsibly (granted these terms are somewhat relative, each will have their own lines drawn as to what is deemed 'responsible' etc) should be of no problem to others, including the government. the premise that drugs are bad is entirely flawed, especially when those labeling certain drugs as 'evil' ignore the drugs permitted by our government (i am referring mostly to alcohol, probably the most damaging drug in the history of mankind). i struggle to think of fellow responsible professionals doing awesome things with their lives who have not partaken (or who are not currently partaking) in recreational drug use. it is unfortunately a somewhat taboo issue that people feel obligated to keep hidden from others due to the fact that the current backwards format of the government (i agree with the earlier comment that prohibition of any type does more harm than good) prohibits these recreational 'gateway' drugs.

but regarding the premise that marijuana is a 'gateway drug' and should therefore be condemned - i find this to be quite an asesine statement. it is like saying that knowing how to walk will lead us to want to run, that walking is a gateway to running. the idea here that as long as the walking and/or running is done responsibly, there is no issue. if one decides, however, to run blindfolded through traffic, then that of course is dangerous for the runner and the others around him or her. the same with drugs. if you walk (use marijuana) and walk in a safe manner, it is of no consequence to anyone else. and because walking (marijuana) is not addictive, one can discontinue walking at any point they desire. now if someone chooses to run (use a harder drug), it is also of no consequence to anyone else provided it is done safely and responsibly. if this runner becomes addicted to running and it becomes a negative element in his or her life, then it would be ideal that the government provide assistance to overcome the addiction when the runner deems it necessary to seek that assistance, because putting that runner in prison likely may result in unhealthy feelings and thoughts about 'the system' leading to a lesser likelihood of future compliance with any 'system'-related issues.

i admit that drug abuse is an issue, but the abuse is reflective of the individual and not of the legislature. what can be changed through legislative amendments, however, is the insane amounts of money spent and lives sacrificed trying to stifle a versatile and robust drug industry that will exist regardless of the extent to which the government attempts to curb its activity.

i would even be inclined to argue that marijuana appears to be a gateway drug simply due to its prevalence and availability. it is merely the first of various drugs that people come across. i think anyone who uses a drug of any kind and has a positive response to it and realizes that it can be used in a safe and responsible manner - that person is likely to a) want to continue having that experience when they deem it appropriate, and b) want to try other drugs realizing that they are not the evil substances that so much of society makes them out to be, but in reality are an access point to other cerebral landscapes normally inhibited in our daily activity and to other perceptions and experiences.

it is the premise that drugs are bad that is extremely flawed.
it is merely the abuse that is the issue.
that abuse will continue regardless of the legislative environment because abuse reflects the individual.
what legislature can do is discontinue the atrocities that are the war on drugs.
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by tij12345 September 9, 2010 12:15 PM EDT
Marijuana is a gateway drug to other dangerous "getting high" activities that lead to death.

Cough Syrup Abuse.

"During his senior year, I knew Carl had developed an interest for marijuana, but I thought we had addressed it and I didn?t believe that he was abusing any other drugs. So why on that dreadful July morning did I discover my son had passed away during the night?

The next several months after Carl?s death I frantically searched for answers. What signs did I miss?

During my search, I found two more empty bottles of cough syrup...I discovered that Carl had been experimenting cough syrup abuse intermittently over the past 2 ? years. He documented his cough syrup abuse in his computer journal. ...Carl had researched and educated himself on how to use these products to get high. "

http://www.drugfree.org/portal/memorials/what_signs_did_i_miss
by jimpwhite September 9, 2010 12:15 PM EDT
I disagree with your merits within the elements, yet find your dialog, an honest thinking, which is shared by many in the quest to truths.

Drugs in this case "gateway" are in my opinion bad, legal or not, neither have the "absolute" control settings applying to the Px or user as a anon-Px. the greek word for disese nosos..note the sos. the delta triangle & the large g combined says "equalilbrum" in the autonomic nervious systems . The parasymatic and symathic..so we have a gateway in our bodies all ready given...the nosos is really not knowing the bridge to from the conscious to the inconscious at will. "Pot is "believed" by cultures to be the tolls needed to cross the bridge..but like any turnpike commission "controling" tolls the price goes up when you lest need/or expected it too.

It is in the systems-check of the research process, the 7 steps I find worthy of dialogs. If research-systems were an addiction- as a hulloseigenitcs(?)then control systems would be the street-pusher. I wonder if the greek word agnosia, as a lack of knowledge is the true addiction at times in a po-t is/or not a gateway dialog?

Maryjane is not the path back to the Garden of Eden, pot-growers are secret farmers, So since its "ill"-legal, if only to the degree of speeding 10 miles above the "posted" laws...simply grow lettice; as we know that will not harm a person's distortion systems, visual, preceptions, and such systems in the brain we still do not know-of yet in the nano-micro world of research.

A person who smokes pot who "Thinks" they are "Ill"or was told they have an "Ill"ness..both cases require a diagonoses...the same research-method says to mananage the cure, mananage the thinking. Have you ever met a "manager" you did not like or trust? Its a "Flight or Fight" assessment at work....I perfer to fight back the isolation based thinking, than to numb it. It would not harm any of us, to study the "isloation of a persons lifestyle, which is why the arguments seem to reflect back to peer pressures as a X or a Y in a "folk-social poets science" on "gateways" as a probable.. To me the word diet...means...lifestyle. VR, Jim.
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by freedomplz September 2, 2010 8:13 PM EDT
How about parents start taking care of there own kids instead of always making the government do it. I know many pot users and I can't think of one that also snorts cocaine or shoot up heroin. I think all of you "marijuana prohibitionists" should educate themselves about the plant instead of writing all this ill informed junk. Furthermore if you would really think about it, you would find that it is much easier for your "kids" to get a "dime of weed" then a six pack of beer. How's that for your logic, you conservatives and your crazy prohibition ideas. A drug dealer doesn't care what your age is or anything they just want your money. While the single parent down at the corner store needs her job to provide, which means she is going to card everyone to make sure there 21 years old in order to keep her job. Makes you think right?
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by tij12345 September 2, 2010 9:30 PM EDT
Freedomplz: Actually you are a drug pusher. Those parents did take care of the kids and the schools had JUST SAY NO programs since kindergarten for these kids. BUT drug pushers like you are the ones convincing the kids that it is good.

Case in point:
You are pushing us to approve use of marijuana. Yet, we have learned from day 1 that marijuana is addictive and BAD (alters the perception) and leads to impulsive behaviors that could hurt the user and others.
by AttentionDeficit September 3, 2010 9:46 AM EDT
tij: and you are pushing us to let alcohol have tacit government approval
by jimpwhite September 2, 2010 5:16 PM EDT
@ Dr. Karen V Gundy & CBS:
first "sociology" is not a science. So let me share with you what real MD's, members of the society of addictive medicines" have shared, Maryjane is addictive "regardless" of the social-economic class the us & them veribage your thinking wants to waste time on. Gateway is a soft term...dna does not know this word under a moicroscope...maryjane "alters" preception thus dna! habits are dna, not psy...treat the dieases...then the psy social after-care...Our goal is to "prevent" a child, a prescription override like with suicide rates on scerquir with vets or a business staticial advance simply by telling the truths...not the "altered truths sociology markets to advance pusdo-science like political polls ..But hay why not go to a Maryjane Anonynous meeting...where you'll here countless heartacke stories from the real experts who, some are millionaries, some are janitors all who say the same thing..."maryjane is addictive and harms the brain, changes the dna, and the only escape from it was another stronger drug!!
Stop the AMA business sanctioned research for selling yet another failed idea in wellness! Ms Gundy if you wanted to be a real doctor...go to medical school and confer with real medical doctors at the american society of addictive medicines. Alterd science is the worst addiction in healthcare its killing our kids, and our health-care processes. VR Jim White-Pittsburgh, SAA
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by Samuel-HiLL September 2, 2010 8:49 PM EDT
I want some of whatever you are smoking Jim, because you have to be incredibly high if you believe that pile of doodie you just dropped. I also find it extremely difficult to take you seriously when you show such blatant disregard for spelling and sentence structure.
by jimpwhite September 3, 2010 1:10 PM EDT
Mr SH:Much like your statement that assumes..you only proved to this veterans treatment advisor as i deal daily with men of caliber, who do not have "control issues" as your first three words suggest an assessment of. I can, spell correctly the name of a Dr., if you wish to explore "your part" in the process. Semantics is not a governoring principal in life. Nor can a statement as you reflected-subtract from the topic..if you want to teach to be a "gateway influence..become a teacher If you want to be an empathic philanthropic & solutions centered citizen..stick to the topics at hand- as your rationals are in fact distorted...so maybe you might want to consider a "spell-check" in your lifes direction, and leave the important dialogs to us who are not ashamed of our shorthcomings in life as you would have us believe in your 7th grade attitude state-of-mind as the evidence assessment reflects by your comments. coy is a reflection of a deeper issue Mr.Hill. And as you stated,"finding extreme"-is indeed something you may want to bring to the therapy session of your considerations. Reality check, I do not live in a perfect world...and I'll do whatever I can to keep it distorted free, as painful and scary as it is at times...to include listining to "gateway-maryjane" is not harmful. Far to many combat veterans will agree, it is harmful. VR Jim
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by Conservative_1976 September 2, 2010 3:41 PM EDT
Register. Vote. Share the links. Change the world.

As a Christian who takes seriously Jesus?s command to do unto others what I would have them do unto me, I know that if my child were using marijuana, I?d want to work with him or her as a parent rather than seeing him or her with a criminal record, in jail with the sexual predators, lose their college financial aid, and all of the very real harm that would be caused, not by the marijuana, but by the law. I?d hate for that to happen to anyone?s child, but it does, every day. Every single day. It?s the law.

Likewise, if my aging parents were to try a little marijuana to ease the aches and pains of growing older, I would not want to see the police confiscate their home and sell it under the property forfeiture laws. I?d hate for that to happen to anyone?s parent, but it does. Every day. Every single day.

I encourage people to: Regiser. Vote. Change things. Share the links.

All the anti-prop-19 arguments boil down to ?it?s better to put people in jail than to let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards.?

The key to success: Register to vote. You?ve got to register well in advance of election day; it only takes five minutes (even if you have to download a form and take it downtown, it?s well worth the effort). All of these links use the usual h t t p : / / w w w prefix:

California:
sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm or to vote by mail
sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_m.htm

Vermont
vermont-elections.org/elections1/registertovote.html

South Dakota:
sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/registrationvoting.shtm

Arizona:
Voter info:
azsos.gov/election/VoterInformation.htm
Register: azsos.gov/election/voterregistration.htm

Michigan: michigan.gov/documents/MIVoterRegistration_97046_7.pdf

Oregon: oregonvotes.org/votreg/vreg.htm

Others: Google your state name and ?voter registration.?
College students: You can usually register as a citizen of either your hometown or your college residence town. Share the voter registration info through your student newspaper, twitter, etc.

Everybody: Most states allow early voting and/or vote-by-mail, so once you?re registered, go ahead and request a ballot (at the voter info site for your state). Save a trip to the polls and get it done while you?re thinking about it.

5 minutes. Change the world. Share the links.
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by us_1776 September 2, 2010 2:39 PM EDT
Prohibition has never worked anywhere at any time.

All it generates is black markets, criminal gangs, and a lot of violence and death.

If we put just half of the money we wasted on the stupid "War on Drugs" into drug treatment and rehabilitation, we would be light years ahead of the game.
Instead we throw thousands of harmless soft-drug users in prison and end up releasing truly heinous violent criminals back into our communities because of all the prison overcrowding. Prohibition is completely senseless.






.
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by Jmiller1972 September 3, 2010 2:29 PM EDT
@tij12345: If marijuana were legal this situation would not happen. The black market is the cause of these two drugs being on the table together. Stop spreading the propaganda.
by tij12345 September 2, 2010 2:27 PM EDT
So, if marijuana user is offered cocaine by a drug pusher (usually their peers) and the drug pusher (friend) says, "Wait till you use this. This is better than your pot. It will blow you away. The BEST. It is guaranteed."

The marijuana user will say, "No, thanks."

Wow, cool.
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by donkeypoodle September 4, 2010 4:53 AM EDT
you clearly have never smoked or bought marijuana. Also, I don't think I've met any people who smoke weed who aren't aware of the dangers of coke. Also, cocaine is ******* expensive, the dealer's not gonna give you that **** for free
by foodandart September 4, 2010 11:01 AM EDT
MOST of the people I know that smoke pot, can't STAND cocaine, so tij12345, you'd likely get that EXACT response if you asked the people I know.

Me as well.

If one is generally used to things that mellow you out, a drug like coke will make you jangly and irritated.

The few times I tried blow, I ended up with a screaming headache so bad I had to turn in early to sleep it off.

So much for the 'party all night' rush.. Coke was and Is the Great White Lie.

I'd rather have a nice cuppa tea with a hash brownie any day.
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