I’m just making an observation I’ve seen in my community. How long has it been legal where you live? Marijuana became officially legal in Oregon in 2015 (not 2010 like I stated above) and I’ve seen a downwards spiral since. I’m glad if it is not that bad in your community. We’ve received boatloads of tax revenue from pot but I don’t know where the money is going because I see society degrading.

I know people that “only” use marijuana and have no interest in harder stuff. Although some of these same people now express an interest in mushrooms (and not for medical reasons). So while pot is not universally a gateway drug it seems like it happens. Personally I also drink alcohol in moderation and I’m aware of that being hypocritical as alcohol is of course legal and has many harmful societal effects. I understand the argument that marijuana might be “not as bad” as alcohol. If everything was legal you could probably have people making the argument that alcohol is a “gateway drug” as well. It is natural to go for harder and harder stuff in the addiction cycle.

I’m usually a libertarian on these issues so I struggle with my own beliefs. I’m ok being transparent on that. The government should generally not be making judgments on peoples choices. On the other hand I’m witnessing firsthand the destruction of society. Perhaps if family structure was stronger people would look after family members more and keep loved ones out of trouble.