When recreational cannabis was legalized in my state, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s nice that adults can now legally enjoy marijuana like they would a drink. On the other, as a parent of two teenagers, the increased accessibility of marijuana is concerning. We are well aware of the negative effects regular cannabis use can have on developing adolescent brains. Moreover, cannabis has evolved significantly over the past few decades; it’s now more potent and available in various forms like edibles and vape pens, each with differing dosages. Despite the numerous studies highlighting its medical benefits, marijuana remains a mind-altering substance in its most common recreational use.
As unnerving as it is to think about my teenagers potentially getting excessively high, I’m also concerned about what smoking pot might lead to. Growing up, I was taught that marijuana is a gateway drug that could lead directly to severe addiction issues. Merriam-Webster defines a gateway drug as one that may lead to the use of and dependence on harder substances. I recall a police officer visiting my seventh-grade class to discuss the dangers of marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, complete with graphic slides of alcohol-related accidents. The message was clear: avoid both drugs and alcohol to steer clear of dire consequences. This was effective enough that I typically opted for Bartles and Jaymes wine coolers, believing them to be a safer choice.
Recent research, however, indicates that alcohol and nicotine often serve as gateway drugs themselves. A report from the Institute of Medicine noted that underage drinking and smoking frequently precede marijuana use. Studies have also shown a strong correlation between alcohol abuse and cocaine addiction. For instance, a 2017 study involving mice demonstrated that those exposed to alcohol before being introduced to cocaine displayed significantly higher levels of compulsive drug-seeking behavior compared to their sober counterparts.
While there’s a noted connection between marijuana and harder drugs, it is essential to differentiate correlation from causation. People who use cocaine often have tried marijuana, but not all marijuana users progress to cocaine use. A 2009 survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 2.3 million individuals had experimented with marijuana, while only 617,000 had tried cocaine. If marijuana consistently led to cocaine use, those numbers would be more aligned.
It’s crucial to note that neither substance is beneficial for young, developing minds. However, alcohol is more frequently linked to dangerous behaviors than marijuana use. A study from New York University indicated that students associated drinking with risky behaviors like unsafe driving and regrettable decisions, while marijuana users reported fewer adverse outcomes.
Alcohol is often more accessible due to its social acceptance. Finding a dealer for marijuana can be challenging, whereas accessing a parent’s liquor cabinet typically requires minimal effort.
Ultimately, there are no ideal choices when it comes to mind-altering substances. It’s essential to understand the motivations behind your teen’s substance use. Factors such as biological influences, environmental conditions, and personal situations play vital roles in their choices. Is your son using marijuana to cope with academic stress? Is your daughter drinking to fit in socially? Is there a family history of substance abuse?
While recreational marijuana is legal in several states, maintaining vigilance over your child’s access to alcohol is critical. Research suggests that alcohol is a more significant gateway drug than marijuana, so engaging in open dialogues about both substances is important. Your teens may roll their eyes and dismiss these conversations, but evidence shows they are listening.
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In summary, while both alcohol and marijuana carry risks, research indicates that alcohol may lead to more significant dangers and serves as a more potent gateway drug. Parents should prioritize conversations about these substances, focusing on the reasons behind their usage rather than just the substances themselves.