The gateway phenomenon does exist. It isn’t caused by the substance itself but rather by it being illegal. Using it puts you in contact with people who sell or use other illicit substances. Legalisation would fix this issue obviously.

Cannabis is from a unique class of substances (cannabinoids) named after it. This is because it was the first known of its type, and combines stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic effects. I don’t know about it’s legal classification in the USA, but here it’s a standard Class B substance.

I agree about AA and NA though. There really shouldn’t be any room for such religious nonsense in state policy, or just in general.