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