Cannabis: gateway or endpoint for other substances?

Despite its centuries-old use and being the most used illicit substance in the world, myths about cannabis are perpetuated. One of the most popular is that cannabis use influences the use of other drugs. This narrative was popularized and often used as an argument against its legalization. In this text we will try to deconstruct this myth.

Cannabis is often referred to as a “transition drug” that acts as a “gateway” to the consumption of other substances. These statements suggest that people who use cannabis are more likely to use other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin.

The empirical basis of this argument is based on the idea that most people who use other drugs started using cannabis. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this assumption. The fact that many people who use other drugs use, or have used, cannabis does not mean that it was cannabis that exerted some kind of causality in this process.

Most people who use illicit drugs also use, or have used, alcohol and/or tobacco and these are not normally seen as substances that cause other consumption..  

The premise of cannabis as a “gateway” also suggests that there is a “ladder” effect, as it presupposes the psychological or physiological need for stronger experiences. It therefore suggests that cannabis use can quickly escalate to substance use at greater risk, such as heroin. From the outset, this argument is based on the wrongly perpetuated idea that drugs are more dangerous than others (“soft” and “hard”). Although there are drugs with a greater addictive potential, it is the relationship that each person establishes with the substance that can be of greater or lesser risk. In this relationship, the frequency, dose, the context in which it is used and the meaning that this consumption has for the person and for their life should be considered.

Although controversial and lacking sufficient scientific evidence, this “gateway” premise has influenced drug policy and is repeatedly used as an argument in debates over the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.  

A counterpoint to the “gateway” idea is the hypothesis that people who are more likely to use drugs start their consumption with substances that are more readily available, such as cannabis, tobacco or alcohol.

However, it is important to bear in mind that different personal, social and environmental factors mediate the relationship between a person and a particular substance. The place of residence, socioeconomic conditions, family environment, insertion in the community, as well as some genetic predispositions, are factors that influence people in their relationship with substances. 

It should be noted that most people who use cannabis do not use other illicit substances.

According to the National Survey on the Consumption of Psychoactive Substances in the General Populational, according to SICAD, in 2016/2017, 4,5% of people aged between 15 and 74 years used cannabis in the last 12 months. Data contrasting with the prevalence of consumption of Cocaine (0,2%), Heroin (0,1%) or MDMA (0,1%) in the same period.

Thus, cannabis is often an “end point” rather than a “gateway” to the consumption of other drugs.

However, the consumption of cannabis (and any other substance) always has its associated pleasures and risks. If you feel that your consumption is having a negative impact on your life, it may be important to talk about it. At Kosmicare you will find a safe and judgment-free space to share your experiences and clarify your doubts about drugs. All consultations are free and done online. 

For more information: consultations@kosmicare.org