Myths and realities about majijuana legalization

There are several arguments being used by both sides in the marijuana legalization argument. I sought to dispel some myths and excuses used by the anti-legalization effort but I tried to keep an open mind when reviewing the true "scientific studies" that I could find.

The first argument against legalization is always that marijuana is a gateway drug. The University of Pittsburgh recently published a 12 year study on marijuana as a predictor for substance abuse. I think it is important to note that the study was on the incidence of substance abuse and not on whether or not marijuana was a gateway drug. This is important because the progression of substance abuse is what the end argument against legalization is all about. The argument goes something like this:

"We can't legalize marijuana because it leads to harder drugs. Many people who try marijuana will look for something stronger and will eventually become crack smokers or meth heads."

The study focused on the prevalence of long term abuse, but the methods used also helped to show patterns in the prevalence of a "gateway" contributor. The study found that the reverse gateway pattern - the use of marijuana prior to tobacco and alcohol use - was exhibited in almost 25% of the test group. This alone would help dispel the idea that it is the contributing factor in drug abuse (anything over 10% means it is part of the norm rather than an anomaly.) What the researchers found is that the prevalence of marijuana usage was actually based on access. Several of the test subjects found it easier to purchase marijuana because it wasn't regulated like alcohol. The use of marijuana prior to alcohol or tobacco also had no increase in the number who eventually became chemically dependant on any substance. This is important because it shows that marijuana isn't an indicator of future substance abuse. The numbers were nearly identical in the study of those who never tried marijuana but became chemical dependant and those who did.

I think it is important to note that I don't advocate the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, however, I believe alcohol and tobacco are much greater threats to our nations health and prosperity. I don't believe there would be a higher incidence of drug abuse by legalizing marijuana. In fact, I think you would see no "net gain" in drug abusers. I do believe that the medical benefits of marijuana could far outweigh the dangers of legalizing, taxing, and regulating the sale. If you had to go into a state run liquor store to buy marijuana, the ease of purchasing it for underage kids would actually decrease. Marijuana is easier to obtain in our public schools because it isn't regulated.