well the gateway drug applys 2 sum ppl while 2 others it doesnt because, sum ppl actually do smok herb 4 a long period ov time they get tired ov it nd want 2 do harder things lyk coke n heroine, things lyk that.. so in that case they draw the line on the ppl that they "see" marijuana is really hurting and they only tawk abt the ppl that it really hurts, lyk the ppl that start 2 take crack and otha real drugs after long term marijuana use. But wat abt the ppl that still use marijuana and hav also had long term use with it but still havent gone 2 the level of taking crack and never will... its ur choice if yu want 2 start takin coke and otha REAL drugz.