Marijuana has always been a dangerous, illegal drug that is the gateway to other stronger, mind-altering chemicals.

With four states and the District of Columbia legalizing marijuana, it sends a message, loud and clear, that marijuana is not really a dangerous drug.

The governor of Colorado, the first state to legalize marijuana, made a statement recently that maybe it wasn’t such a good idea.

Marijuana, or pot as it is called, is much stronger than it was years ago. Pot use has increased in the past few years because of the attitude that it’s not really that addictive or harmful.

I recently heard of a new book titled “Is America Going to Pot?” I understand it describes the negative impact it has on a person.

I can only share my limited experience while dealing with illegal drug users. Every hardcore drug user that I’ve dealt with began with smoking pot and gradually turned to other stronger drugs.

Last week, a recovering alcoholic that I helped years ago called. I hadn’t heard from him since before Katrina.

I didn’t remember him until he refreshed my memory. He called to tell me his son was at a treatment center where I occasionally speak.

I called the treatment center and, with permission went, there last Wednesday. With 23 men in attendance, I asked each one what was their drug of choice.

Seven out of the 23 admitted heroin was the drug they used, including the man’s son. All of them shot up and admitted they never liked needles, but because they were seeking a higher “high,” graduated to heroin.

I asked each one what was the first illegal drug they used.

All seven said marijuana.

Drug use is cunning, baffling and powerful. That’s enough proof to me that pot use opens the gate to a more destructive lifestyle.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.