From the Denver Post:
Coloradans say they are doing less hard drinking than they did in the past few years but say they are more likely to smoke pot, according to a two-year federal assessment to be released today.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found Colorado was the only state to log a decrease in those who think they are at risk to binge- drink since the last study completed in 2006, from 29.8 percent in the previous study to 25.8 percent in the most recent.
Meanwhile, Colorado is one of seven states that notched “significant” increases in teens and adults who say they are more likely to smoke pot at least once a month than those who participated in the last government survey.
“We’ve been saying for some time that many adults want a safer alternative to drinking,” said Mason Tvert, executive director of the Denver-based pot-legalization group Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, which has passed two pro-pot public votes in the city since 2006.
The increase in stoners could logically be tied to the rocky economy, said Tvert, co-author of a book to be released in August that measures the economics of getting buzzed, “Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Do We Drive People to Drink?”
The report also puts Colorado among the top 10 states for:
• The highest illicit-drug use in every age category.
• Failure of teens and adults who need alcohol treatment to receive it.
• Survey takers using cocaine in the past year.The report and raw numbers for each state, to be released today, will be posted at oas.samhsa.gov/2k7state/TOC.cfm.
Even though the previous drug czar, John Walters, commonly characterized Americans as stupid for choosing a safer alternative, it’s not stupid.
We all know that alcohol kills brain cells, impairs judgment, and has a measurable addiction rate. Alternatively, Cannabis – when consumed responsibly – can help one’s health and happiness.
I’m proud of you folks who live in Colorado for choosing a safer alternative! Lead the charge, Lead the Country and Free the Weed!
[I'll testify - these Coloradoans are not only smoking more pot, it's really good pot! -- "R"R]
As I sit here smoking a joint to make my hangover happy…..
I know once i started to smoke pot more often my drinking has gone way down. I still like to drink a couple of beers now and again, but i have no urge to drink enough to get drunk.
Well isnt this the problem though, the big alcohol makers are fighting to keep weed down for this reason. People will choose Marijuana over alcohol every time and they dam well know it!
This also will be used against us, they will say that teen usage is up due to Medical Pot/Decrim and say that they were right and how it will cause a major issue nationaly if they change the policy. But they wont look at regulating Marijuana so to keep it out of teens hands, they will just say its increased teen usage and thats BAD!
Double edge sword here guys, we may get cut at the same time we prove a point!
Nice to hear thought!