Q15. Does using marijuana mean that you will use other drugs?

A15. There is a hypothesis called the 'gateway drug theory' which argues that people who use marijuana will move onto harder drugs such as heroin, cocaine or ecstasy.

The initial drug or 'gateway substance' causes an increased risk of addiction to other substances. It has 'primed' the brain for addiction which triggers a sequence in which a person starts with marijuana and progresses to harder and harder drugs.

There are people who use marijuana and then move onto hard drugs, but, there are others who do not.

There are people who have used hard drugs before using marijuana.

If you use marijuana it does not mean that you will move onto other drugs such as cocaine.

For more information visit our marijuana facts and fiction section.

FAQS Index : Marijuana FAQ

Marijuana FAQs

1. Q1. Are marijuana and cannabis the same drug?
2. Q2. Is there more than one type of marijuana?
3. Q3. Why is marijuana popular?
4. Q4. Can you become addicted to marijuana?
5. Q5. What are the physical effects of marijuana?
6. Q6. What are the psychological effects of marijuana?
7. Q7. What does marijuana look like?
8. Q8. Does marijuana cause psychosis?
9. Q9. Does marijuana cause cancer?

10. Q10. What is 'medical marijuana?'
11. Q11. Is it illegal to possess marijuana?
12. Q12. What are 'the munchies?'
13. Q13. How is marijuana used?
14. Q14. Can you treat marijuana addiction?
15. Q15. Does using marijuana mean that you will use other drugs?