BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) — Legalizing cannabis does not increase substance use disorders or use of other illicit drugs and therefore is not considered a “gateway drug,” according to a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder.

The study, published on Jan. 5 in Psychological Medicine, said that despite many critics of legalization expressing concerns that cannabis is a gateway drug, research found no changes in illicit drug use after legalization. Instead, it may actually reduce alcohol-related problems.

According to CU Boulder, the study also found no link between legalization and cognitive, psychological, social, relationship and financial problems.

The full article is available at ozarksfirst.com.