When recreational marijuana became legalized in my state, I found myself torn. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see adults enjoying cannabis legally, much like they would with a glass of wine or a cocktail. On the other hand, as a mother of two teenagers, the increased accessibility of marijuana raises some concerns.
We understand the impact of regular marijuana use on developing adolescent brains. Cannabis has evolved significantly over the last few decades, becoming more potent and appearing in various forms, from edibles to vape pens, each with different dosages. Despite the plethora of studies showcasing the medical benefits of cannabis, in its most common recreational form, it remains a mind-altering substance.
The thought of my teens getting excessively high is unsettling, and I worry about the potential consequences of marijuana use. Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that marijuana was a gateway drug leading to far more dangerous substances. According to Merriam-Webster, a gateway drug is defined as “a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is believed to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (such as cocaine or heroin).”
I recall a local police officer visiting my seventh-grade class, detailing the dangers associated with marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. He presented shocking images of drunk driving incidents, sending a clear message: don’t drink and drive, and for heaven’s sake, don’t smoke pot or you might end up in dire straits. This fear-based approach worked on me, and I generally steered clear of marijuana, opting for Bartles and Jaymes as long as I avoided driving.
However, recent research reveals that alcohol and nicotine themselves are significant gateway drugs. A 1999 report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences found that underage drinking and smoking often precede marijuana use. Furthermore, studies indicate a strong link between alcohol abuse and cocaine addiction.
In a 2017 study, researchers introduced alcohol and nicotine to a group of mice, then observed their behavior when exposed to cocaine. The mice that had previously consumed alcohol pressed a lever for cocaine 58 times compared to just 18 times for those that had not. Remarkably, these alcohol-exposed mice continued to seek cocaine even when faced with punishment, such as a foot shock. This suggests that alcohol can fundamentally alter brain function, priming the brain for compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
While multiple studies highlight the progression from alcohol to hard drugs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that marijuana leads to more severe substance abuse. Researchers have noted that while users of cocaine often have a history of marijuana use, the opposite is not consistently true. A 2009 survey from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 2.3 million individuals had tried marijuana, while only 617,000 had experimented with cocaine. If marijuana were truly a gateway drug, the number of cocaine users would be significantly higher. There’s a correlation between the two, but establishing direct causation is difficult.
I’m not suggesting that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol. Both substances can have detrimental effects on developing minds and bodies. However, alcohol is more frequently linked to reckless behaviors compared to marijuana. A study from New York University found that teens associated alcohol use with unsafe driving, relationship issues, and regret. Conversely, marijuana users reported fewer negative outcomes related to their consumption.
Alcohol remains more socially acceptable and easier to access than marijuana. While purchasing cannabis from a dispensary requires an ID, sneaking a drink from the family liquor cabinet is often just a matter of discretion.
Ultimately, there are no ideal choices when it comes to mind-altering substances. What’s crucial is understanding the underlying reasons for your teenager’s substance use. Various biological, environmental, and situational factors contribute to drug use and addiction. Is your son using marijuana to cope with academic pressure? Is your daughter drinking to fit in? Do you have a family history of substance abuse?
Even with recreational marijuana legalized in nine states, it’s essential to monitor your teen’s access to alcohol. Research indicates that alcohol serves as a more potent “gateway drug” than marijuana, underscoring the need for ongoing conversations (not lectures) about drinking and marijuana use. Your teens may roll their eyes and retreat to their rooms, but don’t underestimate the impact of your words. Research shows that they’re listening.
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In summary, while both alcohol and marijuana have their own sets of risks, alcohol appears to be a more significant gateway drug, warranting thoughtful discussions with our teens about substance use.