Researching medical marijuana in Colorado reveals many truths and myths regarding Colorado cannabis. Many myths are commonly used as propaganda in an effort to create fear and doubt among the public. Analyzing and disbanding these myths are crucial to creating acceptance of Colorado medical marijuana. Today’s myth: marijuana is a gateway drug. Many opponents to medicinal marijuana in Colorado claim cannabis is a gateway drug that will open the doors for harsher drugs such as cocaine and heroin; implying the medical marijuana user will somehow feel compelled to try a variety of drugs thus becoming a complete addict of illicit drugs. Why aren’t alcohol, tobacco, aspirin, cough medicine, and the plethora of over the counter drugs available to the public considered gateway drugs? What about marijuana makes it a gateway drug? Is there some property in THC that creates a mindless drug craving zombie powerless to control the desire for heroin and other harsh narcotics? The answer, of course, is inequitably no. There is no scientific research singling out marijuana as a drug that creates a need for more drugs. Studies have shown properties of addiction can be more a function of the individual than the drug itself. Furthermore, research has shown marijuana is not physically addictive; unlike alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs readily available to the public. Medical marijuana in Colorado is a legitimate source of pain relief for those in need. Other pharmaceuticals such as Percocet and Vicodin are highly habit forming, expensive, and more dangerous to the patient. Hopefully, disbanding myths about medical marijuana in Colorado will eventually create more acceptance among the voting public, providing a legitimate medical aid for needy patients.
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