Which substance is often referred to as a "gateway drug"?

Which substance is often referred to as a "gateway drug"?

• A. Heroin
• B. Cocaine
• C. Marijuana
• D. LSD

Answer: (C)

Marijuana is often referred to as a "gateway drug" because it is believed to lead individuals to explore and potentially experiment with more harmful and addictive substances. The concept of a gateway drug suggests that initial use of a less harmful drug may create a pathway for the use of stronger drugs, mainly due to social, psychological, or physiological factors. Research has shown that individuals who begin using marijuana in their teenage years are more likely to progress to the use of heavier substances like cocaine or heroin compared to those who do not use marijuana. This classification arises not necessarily from the pharmacological properties of marijuana, but rather from its prevalence and acceptance in societal contexts, where experimenting with marijuana may normalize the act of drug use. In contrast, substances like heroin, cocaine, or LSD are generally perceived as more dangerous from the outset and are less commonly approached with the same level of widespread acceptance. Therefore, marijuana stands out as a substance that often precedes the use of more potent and addictive drugs, reinforcing its label as a gateway drug.

Marijuana is often referred to as a "gateway drug" because it is believed to lead individuals to explore and potentially experiment with more harmful and addictive substances. The concept of a gateway drug suggests that initial use of a less harmful drug may create a pathway for the use of stronger drugs, mainly due to social, psychological, or physiological factors. Research has shown that individuals who begin using marijuana in their teenage years are more likely to progress to the use of heavier substances like cocaine or heroin compared to those who do not use marijuana.

This classification arises not necessarily from the pharmacological properties of marijuana, but rather from its prevalence and acceptance in societal contexts, where experimenting with marijuana may normalize the act of drug use. In contrast, substances like heroin, cocaine, or LSD are generally perceived as more dangerous from the outset and are less commonly approached with the same level of widespread acceptance. Therefore, marijuana stands out as a substance that often precedes the use of more potent and addictive drugs, reinforcing its label as a gateway drug.