Is cannabis a gateway drug?

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) have recently published an article titled “Will my child’s cannabis use lead to other drugs?”  The article unpacks what is often referred to as the “gateway theory” which suggests that the use of one substance inevitably leads to the use of other so-called “harder” drugs. But does the theory stack up?  The answer is no. There are a range of factors that can lead to substance use, and these factors are often common across a range of substances and risk behaviours. While cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Australia, the vast majority of people who use cannabis do not go on to use other illegal drugs. The ADF article goes on the provide some strategies for parents to use when communicating with their young person about cannabis use.

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