Answer:
The gateway drug effect (alternatively, stepping-stone theory, escalation hypothesis, or progression hypothesis) is a comprehensive catchphrase for the often observed effect that the use of a psychoactive substance is coupled to an increased probability of the use of further substances.
A gateway drug alters neuropathways in the brain. Animal models of addiction have indicated that animals that begin to use certain types of substances at an early age are at an increased probability to develop addictive behaviors to other substances.
The gateway drug is cannabis. It is dangerous because it can cause side effects that can ruin your life.
