I’m all for legalizing marijuana, but I’ve been a user in the past and have failed a government security clearance as a result of my usage. Until it’s legalized, I have no plans to use it again.

As for whether or not weed is a gateway drug, it depends from person to person. Marijuana isn’t inherently addictive, nor has it created any tendencies (for myself at least) to use other hard drugs. I’m only speaking for myself though, and this could vary from person to person. In my opinion, alcohol is more of a gateway drug because it impairs judgement and you’re much more likely to try other drugs when impaired by alcohol (my first weed experience was when I was drunk).