[thegreatbeast]

Divining which came first the pot smoking or the other drug usage is beyond the scope of most surveys. It would be require in-depth psychological interviews that are rarely done in such scope as would be needed to make meaningful observations about this chicken or the egg situation.
My point, and I restate it unapologetically, is that marijuana is/was used by an amazingly large percentage of those people who abuse(d) other drugs. Anybody want to try to refute that? Then why is it so hard to accept?

[MrLeRoy]

My point, and I restate it unapologetically, is that marijuana is/was used by an amazingly large percentage of those people who abuse(d) other drugs.

Air is/was used by an amazingly large percentage of those people who abuse(d) drugs. So what?

[Smogger]

My point, and I restate it unapologetically, is that marijuana is/was used by an amazingly large percentage of those people who abuse(d) other drugs. Anybody want to try to refute that? Then why is it so hard to accept?

Sure I'll refute it. My evidence is largely anecdotal. In my experience hard core drug users that DO NOT like marijuana because it mitigates the effects of the narcotics/opiates they are taking. People that use speed or coke for example like the edginess, alertness, appetite supression, and false clarity that those drugs bring. Consuming a hallucinagen like marijuana, which is a muscle relaxer, causes confusion, and increases appetite will only negate some of the effects of narcotics. Therefore, you are not going to find too many speed freaks or cokeheads smoking weed.

Furthermore, as for what drug they started with, while marijuana may have been the first illicit drug used, I think that you will find if you conducted interviews with users, that tobacco and were alcohol, probably in that order, were the first drugs they ever used.

If marijuana is a "gateway" drug it's because it's illegal. Forcing would-be drug buyers to purchase it from ans associate with drug dealers who many of whom also sell hardcore narcotics.