The Doctors: Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug or Harmless?

by Josh LaBenne

On today’s edition of “The Doctors”, the doctors discuss the theories and research on whether or not the usage of marijuana is harmless, or rather is a gateway drug to heavier, and more dangerous illegal drugs.

Joined on set by Karen O’Keefe, Director of The Marijuana Policy Project, the doctors and Karen O’Keefe go over several interesting facts and findings. According to the federal government’s own data, more than half of the people in attendance for rehabilitation are forced to attend, due to rulings on behalf of the criminal justice system. Due to this, people who do not need actual drug rehabilitation treatment are forced to attend, which in turn prevents people with real drug addiction issues from receiving the care and attention that they need. 

According to statistics given by Director O’Keefe, one in ten people who have substance abuse disorders in the United States, are not receiving the treatment and care that they need. 

With people sent by the court system taking up slots for rehabilitation, this prevents the truly sick from getting the help they need. Furthermore, at least 18,000 people die a year from prescription opiate overdoses – all these people could have been saved if the slots for rehabilitation were used for those who truly need it. 

Both the doctors’ panel on the show, and Karen O’Keefe agree that substance abuse is not linked to marijuana usage itself, but rather is a case by case basis, heavily depending on the individuals. 

With the current legalization of marijuana in some states, this has allowed the situation to be easier to navigate, as there is now room for more discussion and surveying when really looking at whether or not someone truly has a substance abuse problem or not.