I don't consider it a "gateway" drug. I have smoked for years now, and never had the desire to touch any other drug. (with the exception of caffeine, nicotine, and advil, lol) I had exposure to harder drugs (i.e. crack) in areas I used to hang around in, but it never gave me any desire to try it. If anything, it discouraged my use, seeing what it did to other people.