Marijuana, a plant that humans have used for thousands of years, is moving ever closer to decriminalization and legalization across the country. Now that states like Washington and Colorado have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, the opposition claims that use of the plant will lead to harder drugs. This statement is simply not true and studies by many organizations discredit the gateway drug theorem. Marijuana affects psychomotor abilities due to the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana; however, there is no indication that this plant will cause more accidents. Furthermore, another theory that an individual fails in the cycle of abuse associated with marijuana has no validity either; studies by independent research firms support this notion. The legalization process has swept our country, marijuana connoisseurs and beginners alike can benefit from it. This article will provide statistics, data and truths about the herb of life. Marijuana is considered a gateway drug; However, correlation is not the same as causation. The National Research Council, in its report "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base" found that addicts of all kinds are "vulnerable to drug abuse for individual reasons and who find themselves in an environment that encourages drug abuse." People who abuse drugs are initially likely to abuse drugs. most readily available drug. An individual may try marijuana and progress to using heroin or cocaine, but that necessarily means the topic started with the former. Adolescents are more likely to try prescription drugs or alcohol because of the availability and relative ease of obtaining these items in the home. Marijuana is simply...... middle of paper ...... on, DC: The National Academies Press, 1999. New York Times. “A new use for medical marijuana? » See comments on a new use for medical marijuana. The New York Times, March 31, 2012. Web. “NORML.org – Working to Reform Marijuana Laws.” Marijuana and driving: a review of the scientific evidence. Np, nd Web.Robbe H. Influence of marijuana on driving. Maastricht, Netherlands: University of Limburg; 1994. Sewell, Andrew R., James Poling and Mehmet Sofuoglu. “THE EFFECT OF CANNABIS COMPARED TO ALCOHOL ON DRIVING.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. The American Journal of Addictions, and Web. Smith, Dave. “Medical Marijuana: 10 Health Benefits That Legitimize Legalization Analysis.” International Business Times. International Business Times, August 8, 2012. Web.Sutton LR. The effects of alcohol, marijuana and their combination on driving ability. J Stud Alcohol. 1983