[Einigkeit_Recht_Freiheit]

I apologize if someone has already made this point, but aren't we missing something in the "gateway" theory here.

Let's start with a question: What is the biggest difference between alcohol and tobacco in comparison to marijuana?

Answer: The former are legal, the latter is illegal.

In order to acquire tobacco or alcohol, it is merely necessary to be of legal age (or know someone who is), purchase these items in a completely legal manner and then consume them.

To acquire marijuana, it is first necessary to find someone who is involved in committing an illegal act. Thus, the market is comprised of criminals. Criminals tend to be individuals who are more reckless, daring (stupid) than average. Therefore these dealers, who are almost always users, are likely to be statistically more prone to know others who sell harder drugs, if they don't sell themselves. Thus, beginning a relationship with a dealer is the "gateway" to harder drugs. It is not the drug itself, it is the illegal act.

Conclusion: if you want to reduce the number of people for whom marijuana is a "gateway" drug, make it available so that it is not necessary for them to come into contact with the criminal element that leads to harder drugs.

[robertpaulsen]

Excellent point. But why stop there?

If I'm a petty thief and rob 7-11's, get caught and go to jail, I'll be forced to reside with other criminals. In prison, I'll learn that the real money can be found in banks, and I'll become a bank robber when I get out.

Now, if it were legal to rob 7-11's, I wouldn't be arrested and exposed to these criminals. Voila!