Pot is a gateway drug

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Why Marijuana Is a Gateway Drug

Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana (AALM)

At AALM, we are dedicated to informing the public about the long-term risks of marijuana legalization and use. One of the most alarming concerns is marijuana’s role as a gateway drug — a substance that increases the likelihood of trying more dangerous and addictive drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or opioids.

What Is a Gateway Drug?

A gateway drug is a substance that, when used, tends to lead to the use of more harmful and addictive substances. Marijuana is often the first illicit drug a person tries, and its use is correlated with later use of substances like heroin, fentanyl, and meth.

Scientific Evidence Linking Marijuana to Other Drug Use

Numerous studies show a strong association between marijuana use and increased risk of future drug abuse:

• A 2017 National Academy of Sciences report found that “cannabis use is likely to increase the risk for developing other substance use disorders, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs.”

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “people who use marijuana are more likely to also use other substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs.”

• A 2016 study published in the Journal of School Health concluded that early marijuana use increases the risk of later opioid misuse.

Brain Development and Risk-Taking Behavior

Marijuana affects the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control. When used during adolescence — a critical window for brain development — it increases the likelihood of engaging in riskier behavior, including experimentation with harder drugs.

Starting Young: The Danger to Youth

The earlier someone starts using marijuana, the higher the risk of moving on to other substances:

• According to Monitoring the Future (2022), teens who used marijuana were significantly more likely to try opioids and other hard drugs before age 21.

• Youth marijuana users are 2–5 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder in early adulthood.

Legalization Increases Gateway Access

In states where marijuana has been legalized:

• Youth access has increased through diverted supply.

• Perception of harm has decreased, making experimentation more socially acceptable.

• Drug cartels are still active, often pushing marijuana alongside harder substances.

Our Position at AALM

We believe the evidence is clear: legalizing marijuana fuels addiction pipelines and puts our communities, especially youth, at greater risk. We urge policymakers, educators, and families to reject marijuana legalization and focus on prevention, education, and accountability.