Pubdate: Tue, 31 Oct 2006
Source: Peterborough This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 mykawartha.com, Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.mykawartha.com/peterboroughNews
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1794
Author: Cedric Silvester

GATEWAY THEORY A MYTH

Paul Christie's presentation at Norwood District High School was 
marred by his use of the so-called "gateway theory" that marijuana 
has the magical power to cause the use of harder drugs. No honest 
discussion of drug policy should include this absurd notion.

One might as well say alcohol and/or tobacco are the real gateway 
drugs, as these are by far the most common drugs of first use in 
Canada.  It is odd that these harmful and addictive drugs are never 
demonized as marijuana is. Perhaps the $8 billion in tax revenues 
these drugs generate has something to do with it?

The problem with misrepresentations of this sort is that our youth 
are less likely to believe the rest of their drug education. Teens 
aren't stupid, and when they discover the vast majority of marijuana 
users have no problems with it, the rest of Mr. Christie's 
presentation will be suspect. I don't doubt Mr. Christie's life was 
difficult, and he should be commended for turning it around. But he 
must be careful not to undermine his efforts by basing his 
presentation on discredited theories.

Cedric Silvester

Peterborough
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