Introduction
An intense debate usually revolves around the legality of Cannabis within the United States as well as other countries of the world. Numerous arguments are utilized to legalize or ban the trade of Cannabis under law and constitution of every country. It has been widely believed that Marijuana has undesired effects on users and society for promoting the use or more harmful drugs such as Methamphetamine and Heroin. However, recent arguments have caused disruption in this argument as many supporters of the drug argue that Cannabis does not promote the consumption of more harmful substances. The paper argues the harmful effects of Cannabis in terms of promoting the consumption of more harmful class-A drugs.
Objectives of the Research
The extent of the relationship between cannabis and the extent to which the users may opt for a harder variety of drugs.
An answer to counter argument that cannabis is not a gateway drug, or that the use of other drugs might lead to the use of Cannabis.
Primary Research Questions
Why is Cannabis considered as a gateway drug?
What are the factors that influence Cannabis user to try harder drugs?
Secondary Research Questions
Did individuals who currently take class A drugs start by only smoke cannabis first?
Are they addicted to cannabis?
Do such individuals continue to smoke cannabis in conjuncture with other types of drugs?
Literature Review
As stated by Coomber (2013), Cannabis is the most commonly utilized illicit drug globally which is classified as a mild sedative and hallucinogen that is illegal and cannot be supplied. The major concern is entrenched in the progression of Cannabis towards hard drugs that in turn increases risk factors as well as a dependency on the drug.
On the other hand, the study of Melberg, et al. (2010) is underpinned with the aspects of significant increase in the harmful risks associated with the consumption of Cannabis. It is observed that a number of people consider that the Cannabis is a source through which use of other hazardous substances can be prevented. In this regard, the use of Cannabis is legalized in some of the states within the US. The legalization of Cannabis is based on its minimum harmful effects. However, alongside the presence of potentially harmful effects, the use of Cannabis is illegal in some of the states for limiting the exacerbation of negative health outcomes.
Miiler-Day et al. (2014) state that peer influences play an essential role in the psychological development of adolescents alongside affecting their behaviors and perceptions related to the use of drugs. The development of beliefs and norms by adolescents regarding the drug use is partially based on the perceptions practiced by other adolescents of their age group and the behaviors they demonstrate. Additionally, adolescents are sensitive to the pressure and expectations put forth by peers that often lead to the transmission and enforcement of group norms (Ghodse, 2010, p.16).
Degenhardt & Hall (2012) depict that Cannabis, Opiates, Cocaine, and Amphetamine are most commonly used by males as compared to females. The consumption of such drugs is underpinned by the presence of economic as well social development that in turn contributes to increasing health problems and increased crime rates in a society. In addition to this, regular or heavy consumption of Cannabis encourages the use of other illicit drugs alongside increasing the risk of harmful effects.
According to Hill et al. (2012), Cannabis is underpinned with significantly less harmful effects as compared to the use of other illicit drugs including alcohol and nicotine that are legal for consumption. The major reason for the aforementioned aspect is the low rate of mortality resulting from the use of Cannabis than from the use of tobacco or alcohol that may result in the development of cancer. Moreover, medicinal benefits are provided by Cannabinoids in contrast to nicotine or alcohol that lacks medicinal use.
Research Design
The research design mainly consists of gathering primary data from the sources, as the focus of the research mainly requires fresh data. Questionnaires were an indispensable element in the research design. The survey was conducted on current and ex-drug addicts as well as college and high school students. Rehab centers were also visited for this purpose. The survey consisted of 100 respondents to gain a proper understanding of the issue.
Research Methodology and Quantitative and Qualitative Tools
The research included mainly primary data from the participants for the purpose of gaining first hand and raw data to understand the relationship between Cannabis and class A drug addiction. The research was carried out via a mixed method approach, that is, the questionnaires included questions that were both qualitative and quantitative in nature.
Research Analysis
More than half of the respondents claimed in the survey that they first consumed marijuana at 16 years of age. Such answers made up about 60% of the sample size. Another significant result of the research was that most of the male respondents were more prone to experiment with the drugs. The reason for consumption of marijuana was mostly cited as curiosity, peer influences, cultural influence and medicinal reasons in descending order. About 80% of the respondents admitted that they had tried stronger drugs that were close or among class-A drugs. The individuals admitted that they had mostly utilized other drugs such as opiates and cocaine, which was about 65% of the participants. About 35% admitted to using methamphetamines and heroin as well. 85% admitted that they had at one point or another in their lives, become addicted to the use of drugs. The survey revealed that the standard period of waiting to try a new drug was usually around 5-7 months, after which the user would switch to other drugs out of curiosity or influence from the supplier. While numerous individuals 55% claimed that they continued to utilize marijuana while consuming other drugs, others stated that they had refrained from using other drugs completely.
While most of the users admitted that they either stopped using such drugs or wanted to stop using, they still maintained that cannabis, by itself, had had no harmful effects on their lives.
Research Discussion
According to the data results, it can be observed that most of the individuals demonstrated a tendency to experiment with other drugs as a result of multiple factors such as peer pressure and drug dealer influences. Thus, the primary questions of the research were answered as the use of Cannabis acted as a gateway to other drugs. The factors influencing the deviation of the user from cannabis to class A drugs could also be identified very clearly in the survey results. It can be observed that the results that cannabis is not solely responsible for causing drug addiction or experimentation with class A drugs, similar results were found in the study conducted by Miller-Dat et al. (2014). Male participants in the survey were more prone to experiment with Marijuana and other more harmful drugs. This fact is supported by Degenhardt & Hall (2012) who provided the same results for their survey of the issue of drug use and drug addiction.
It can be observed that many individuals accepted the fact that they were addicted to the drugs at one point or another within their lives. It was also discovered that only half the people included in the survey consumed marijuana simultaneously in conjecture with other class A drugs. Since the body is already accustomed to the effects of class B drugs such as Marijuana, it will crave for sharper drugs such as meth and heroin, Coomber (2013) supported this fact by classifying Cannabis as a mild sedative and hallucinogen. It can, therefore, be stated from the above analysis and discussion that the consumption of marijuana may lead to the consumption of class A drugs. However, The drug itself is not the sole cause, but in fact, peer pressure, social and other cultural issues might play a contributing role to the influence of the mild hallucinogen.
Limitations
Issues related to confidentiality and anonymity has affected the quality of responses.
The scope of this research has been limited due to comprehensive and an in-depth approach use for data collection.
The produced knowledge may be generalized or presented in an abstract manner to be directly applied in specific contexts and individuals.
Conclusion
The research yields the conclusion that Cannabis is a drug that encourages addiction of other illicit drugs. It is noted that the individual who is involved in the use of cannabis is usually influenced by a number of factors that exacerbates harmful effects and poor quality of life. These factors are pressure posed by peers, suppliers’ pursuance for the purchase of drugs other than cannabis, certain cultural trends, and social norms. Additionally, the research also depicts that male are prone towards the development of cannabis addiction that leads to the consumption of other illicit drugs. Consequently, the research methods used for this report also contributed to gain full insight of the research questions. However, certain limitations have been observed regarding the authenticity of the responses to the questionnaire as the participants may not have provided their honest opinions. In this regard, secondary resources have been of great significance for attaining reliable and valid outcomes associated with the research.
Ethical Considerations
Confidentiality of the data provided by the cannabis users has been practiced.
The questionnaire was based on unbiased questions.
The data collected from the participants is not fabricated or falsified for personal use or interest.
The participants were free to leave the research.
The participants were not forced to contribute to the research.
Personal Reflection
Research has never been simple as it demands the skills rather than just implementing certain technology or science. I have encountered complex and deeper understanding of the experiences of practice that is not attained at the initial stages. In order to assist the validity of research methods, I have focused on using mixed method approach as it provides the research insights of the particular subject. The aspects of cannabis use among the people are catered better through this approach as the questionnaires conducted from the affected ones, and the interviews with the rehab workers have yielded incredible outcomes about the objectives of the research along with the use of authentic secondary research conducting in this regard.
The appropriateness of the research methods has direct impact on the achievements of research objectives. It has been a highly motivating and challenging experience of my involvement in the completion of the research report that has yielded positive effects on my personal and professional development. The foremost significance of conducting the research lies in the periodic interactions with my mentor that has supported me in getting clarifications and obtaining practical assistance as well.
Besides, my increased level of interest has assisted me in answering the research questions through utilizing valid and authentic secondary sources and selecting an appropriate methodology. If I had not developed an interest in conducting research, it would have been difficult for me to adopt the suitable methodology and select the reliable resources. Therefore, my teacher’s advices have assisted me in effectively addressing the research questions, and critically analyzing and discussing the research findings (responses to the questionnaires and interviews).
Additionally, the completion of this research report has also refined my communication and interpersonal skills. I have realized that the quality of the research could have been extremely challenging for me with my partial or restrained performance. As my research is primarily based on conducting surveys and interviews therefore, it becomes essential to have refined communication skills. For convincing and persuading the respondents, advanced level of communication and interpersonal skills are required. As far as my subject area is concerned, it demands an intense level of care to deal with the respondents. Therefore, the research report has made me competent in managing the sensitivity of the issue.
The quality of report requires the research approach to be authentic and valid so that the objectives can be achieved incredibly. Realizing the fact, I have also adopted the critical approach to analyzing the findings of the research report. Therefore, the completion of my research report has potentially contributed to my professional development as well. Additionally, I have acquired refined writing skills and have learned to take the initiatives successfully that is going to assist me on a personal level even in my career in the life ahead. Consequently, these professional and personal gains have yielded remarkable impacts on my self-confidence along with the development of critical mindset and certain interpersonal skills.
List of References
Coomber, R.., McElrath, K.., Measham, F. & Moore, K.., 2013. Key Concepts in Drugs and Society. 1st ed. London: SAGE.
Degenhardt, L. & Hall, W., 2012. Extent of illicit drug use and dependence, and their contribution to the global burden of disease. Lancet, 379(9810), p.55–70.
Ghodse, H.., 2010. Ghodse's Drugs and Addictive Behaviour: A Guide to Treatment. 4th ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hill, A.J.., Williams, C.M.., Whalley, B.J.. & Stephens, G.J., 2012. Phytocannabinoids as novel therapeutic agents in CNS disorders. Pharmacol Ther, 133, pp.79-97.
Melberg, H.O.., Jones, A.M.. & Bretteville-Jensen, A.L., 2010. Is cannabis a gateway to hard drugs? Empirical Economics, 38(3), pp.583-603.
Miller-Day, M.A. et al., 2014. Adolescent Relationships and Drug Use. New York: Psychology Press.
Appendixes
Drug research Questionnaire
At what age did you start smoking cannabis?
Why did you start using cannabis?
Have you ever tried any other stronger drugs?
How many different types of drugs have you tried/used?
Have you become addicted to any of these other drugs?
How long were you smoking cannabis before you tried/started using other drugs?
Why do you think you decided to try these other drugs?
Have you continued to smoke cannabis whilst using other drugs?
Do you want to stop using drugs? If so, why/why not?
Do you believe smoking cannabis has had a negative effect on your life?
RESEARCH ETHICS: Consent form
Is cannabis a gateway drug?
GENERIC PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM
{Notes in italics}
Project title
Researcher’s name
I have read the Participant Information Sheet and the nature and purpose of the research project has been explained to me. I understand and agree to take part.
I understand the purpose of the research project and my involvement in it.
I understand that I may withdraw from the research project at any stage and that this will not affect my status now or in the future.
I understand that while information gained during the study may be published, I will not be identified and my personal results will remain confidential. {If other arrangements have been agreed in relation to identification of research participants this point will require amendment to accurately reflect those arrangements}
I understand that I will be audiotaped / videotaped during the interview. {Omit this point if the interview will not be taped}
I understand that data will be stored {insert details of how and where data – including hard and electronic copies of transcripts, or any video or audiotapes used – will be stored, who will have access to it and what limits will be placed on that access}
I understand that I may contact the researcher or supervisor if I require further information about the research, and that I may contact the Research Ethics Coordinator of the School of Education, University of Nottingham, if I wish to make a complaint relating to my involvement in the research.
Signed (research participant)
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