(Writing Portfolio) Is Marijuana Really a Gateway Drug?

Is Marijuana Really a Gateway Drug?

Myth or fact? The word is that marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to using harder drugs like cocaine. But is this true? Opinions on this topic greatly vary. Let’s take a look at some research and facts to find out.

The Government and Marijuana

Marijuana is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Government officials believe it has a high potential for abuse. Yet, a report commissioned by Congress in 1999 says:

“There is no conclusive evidence that the drug effects of marijuana are causally linked to the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs.”

The same report says cigarette smoking and alcohol use often precede marijuana use. Marijuana is not the most common gateway to illicit drug use. In that case, should we assume cigarettes or alcohol are a “gateway” to cannabis? The beginning path of harder drug use?

That said, it is true that most users of harder drugs have used marijuana first. But that’s because of its widespread use and availability. They were more likely to have encountered it first. In fact, in 2016, 24 million Americans were using marijuana.

Genes and Addiction: It’s a Dopamine Thing

Most people who use marijuana do not move on to using other hard drugs. Those who do are more likely predisposed to addiction to start with. People born with limited receptors or low dopamine production get addicted easier. This condition happens because of neurotransmitter and gene issues. Two such genes involved in the process are COMT and AKT1.

Without enough dopamine, depression, memory problems, impulsiveness, and lack of motivation are common. The person will search out activities or substances to increase it. Some turn to food, others to drugs. Love, learning, shopping, alcohol, extreme sports, or sex; whatever it takes to feel good.

Along comes THC. It connects to the cannabinoid receptors and stimulates dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is good. It’s the reason for the pleasure and happiness that a person feels after smoking marijuana, eating favorite foods, or being with a loved one. When a person first uses marijuana, dopamine production rises, and they feel great. For the person without a dopamine deficiency, casual use won’t send them in a downhill spiral.

The Slippery Slope

But too much of a good thing causes problems. According to a study by Columbia University Medical Center, extended or heavy use lowers dopamine. Like in most “hard” drug users. The part of the brain affected handles short-term memory, decision-making, and attention.

Once the “feel good” neurotransmitter stops producing like it once did, the user will search out an elevated version of the addiction. Thus, leading to increased use or a harder drug to get that same feeling.

It’s a vicious cycle. It won’t stop as long as the person keeps trying to stimulate dopamine production artificially. Overworked, the system gets worn out, increasing the risk for mental health problems.

What’s the Bottom Line?

As you can see, the body is a complex system; we don’t understand it all yet. Most views on marijuana are hypothesis based on limited studies and observation. Learning more is a slow process, there are regulatory barriers that impede research.

But, with our current information, it’s clear that marijuana can be a “gateway” drug for some people, but not everyone. Without knowing a person’s genes and how their brain functions, it can be hard to tell until it’s too late. Use caution.

Pay attention to internal thoughts and behaviors; they are true signs of what’s going on inside. And don’t be afraid to reach out for help if needed.