Research indicates that.
although THC (the psychoactive agents in marijuana) may be found in the blood of some.
automobile drivers in accidents, also found are high levels of alcohol (Cloud 62 ), making in part,.
these results inconclusive as to the actual cause. .
Most experts agree marijuana does not create any physical dependence, but may lead to.
some psychological dependence, although this theory has not been proven (Goldberg 247). .
However, according to a November 2002, issue of Time, three recent studies have suggested that.
marijuana is addictive. Interestingly enough, the end results of three separate studies were as.
follows: only 9% of users develop dependence, compared to 75% of caffeine users developing.
dependence to caffeine, 15% of drinkers becoming dependent on alcohol, 23% of heroin users,.
and 1/3 of tobacco smokers becoming a slave to nicotine (Cloud 64). Although this theory.
proves marijuana may be able to cause addiction, it also proves it is easier to become addicted to.
other legal drugs rather than marijuana. Also, there are too many disagreements over the.
addictive power of marijuana. Which one are we to believe? And which researcher is correct? .
Many against marijuana legalization argue that marijuana is a gateway drug. However,.
the definition of a gateway drug is not only pointed at marijuana, but other drugs as well. The.
definition of a gateway drug is as follows:"substances that are used prior to use of more.
dangerous drugs; alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and inhalants are considered gateway drugs.
(Goldberg 177)." By this definition alone alcohol and tobacco, both legal drugs, are just as likely.
as marijuana to lead one to harder drugs. However, it is true that most people who have taken.
drugs such as heroin, LSD, and cocaine have smoked marijuana, but it is also true that most.
marijuana smokers do not proceed to use other drugs past mere experimentation(Goldberg 252).
