Raise the price of Scotch

[tree]

I read with some amusement that the University of Sheffield has recommended raising the minimum price of alcohol in Scotland in order to combat the problem of excessive alcohol consumption. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scot ... 276334.stm)

Here is my response to the University --

I read with surprise that your university recommends combating excess consumption of alcohol by proposing an increase in the price! Here is an alternate solution: legalize cannabis. Why would anyone drink alcohol if they could legally smoke cannabis (or, vaporize to avoid health issues from the smoke)? It is an uncontested fact that cannabis has not anywhere near the social problems associated with alcohol use. You may just make a knee-jerk response dismissing my suggestion, but just try performing an actual study, similar to the one in which you recommend raising the price of alcohol! I am sure you would find dramatic evidence of greatly decreased alcohol consumption - particularly among young people - leading to greatly ameliorated social problems. Why is this approach so hard for people to consider?? It is the most obvious case of harm reduction.

[Anna]

I'm wondering if the increase in price (tax?) would have more to do with economy and the allmighty buck than with their 'alcohol problem', but it was a better excuse?

In either case, yes, legalizing cannabis could remedy both the alcohol problem AND the economy. You are SPOT ON!