As a child of the 60's (not a hippy), I indulged in pot quite frequently over the years until I grew up and joined the military. Here is what I saw and experienced with marijuana.
1. Pot is indeed a gateway drug. Most I knew went on to stronger drugs, always searching for a better or unique high. Pills that include benzedrine or methedrine known as "uppers" became the next step. Then it was the "downers" like reds, yellow jackets, black beauties, quaaludes, etc. Then it was a mix of the two that were called "speedballs". By then you have a seriously screwed up individual;
2. I can verify that studies that state chronic pot injestion does in deed cause loss of ambition. I witnessed it with numerous friends and associates. Some loss their jobs, or their families, or just lost all interest in their future or anything of worth in their lives. They would convince themselves that after their next high they would get their shit together. Sound familiar?;
2. Next up or at the same time were the hallucinogens like LSD, Poyote, Mushrooms. Those people got tired of that mind-twisting experience and wanted back to something more mellow which is No. 3 below.
3. Once they experienced the euphoric high of Heroin/Morphine/Opium it was all over, they were doomed.
4. Now it's all about crack cocaine or crystal meth, which not only screws up your thinking/lifestyle but destroys your body. Just watch the TV show "Cops" and you'll see those users with emaciated bodies and loss teeth they bust every episode.
5. Potheads like to claim they drive better than those under the influence of alcohol. Bullshit! They are both as impaired and dangerous, depending on the level of intoxication.
I will say it once again, marijuana IS a gateway drug. This is not going to end well for our Country.
Only in the sense that those (vainly) seeking happiness through chemicals to the point of being willing to break the law, find marijuana first.