Fact Check: "90% of hard drug addicts started with cannabis, claims researcher."
What We Know
The claim that "90% of hard drug addicts started with cannabis" is a simplification of complex research findings regarding substance use progression. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) discusses cannabis as a substance that can lead to the use of other drugs, often referred to as the "gateway" hypothesis. However, the actual statistics regarding progression from cannabis to other illicit drugs are less definitive.
A study titled "Probability and predictors of the cannabis gateway effect" found that approximately 44.7% of individuals who have used cannabis progressed to using other illicit drugs at some point in their lives (Secades-Villa et al.). This figure is significantly lower than the 90% claimed in the assertion.
Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that a large percentage of illicit drug users had previously used marijuana, but did not specify that 90% of hard drug users began with cannabis.
Analysis
The assertion that 90% of hard drug addicts started with cannabis appears to be an exaggeration. The claim likely stems from the broader discussion around the gateway hypothesis, which posits that early use of substances like cannabis can lead to the use of more dangerous drugs. However, the evidence supporting this hypothesis is mixed.
While the NIDA acknowledges that cannabis use can lead to other drug use, it does not support the claim that 90% of hard drug users began with cannabis. The study by Secades-Villa et al. provides a more nuanced view, indicating that while a significant portion of cannabis users may progress to other drugs, the actual percentage is much lower than 90%.
Moreover, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The NIDA is a reputable government agency that funds and conducts research on drug use and its effects, making its findings credible. The study by Secades-Villa et al. is published in a peer-reviewed journal, which adds to its reliability. In contrast, the claim lacks a specific source or study to substantiate the 90% figure, raising questions about its accuracy.
Conclusion
The claim that "90% of hard drug addicts started with cannabis" is Partially True. While there is evidence suggesting a correlation between cannabis use and the use of other illicit drugs, the specific figure of 90% is not supported by credible research. The actual data indicates that about 44.7% of cannabis users may progress to other drugs, which is significantly lower than the claim suggests. Therefore, while there is a relationship between cannabis use and the potential for later drug use, the claim is an oversimplification of a more complex issue.
