Research says the idea of cannabis as a ‘gateway’ drug lacks evidence and appears to be no more than a cultural myth.
In a recent article published by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, it was stated, “Using one drug doesn’t necessarily lead people to trying other drugs. Research dismisses concerns about so-called ‘gateway drugs’. There is no evidence suggesting people who use cannabis will ‘graduate’ over time to other drugs such as heroin or amphetamines.” This statement cites a study published in 2014 that looked at five main risk factors: family factors, peer pressure, gateway drugs, individual characteristics, and community factors. The study found that family was the most crucial risk factor for drug abuse among youth. It concluded that the stronger family cohesion and parental monitoring are, the less probable drug abuse will be. When it came to the gateway effect, there was no agreement and recognition that this is simply a cultural myth.
In a recent article published by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, it was stated, “Using one drug doesn’t necessarily lead people to trying other drugs. Research dismisses concerns about so-called ‘gateway drugs’. There is no evidence suggesting people who use cannabis will ‘graduate’ over time to other drugs such as heroin or amphetamines.” This statement cites a study published in 2014 that looked at five main risk factors: family factors, peer pressure, gateway drugs, individual characteristics, and community factors. The study found that family was the most crucial risk factor for drug abuse among youth. It concluded that the stronger family cohesion and parental monitoring are, the less probable drug abuse will be. When it came to the gateway effect, there was no agreement and recognition that this is simply a cultural myth.
Source: cannabis AND australia – Google Alert