It's supported by the linked article: "Finally, the relationship between MMLs and more direct measures of alcohol consumption is examined. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we find that MMLs are associated with decreases in the number of drinks consumed,especially among 20- through 29-year-olds, providing additional evidence that alcohol is the mechanism by which traffic fatalities are reduced. Using data from the Beer Institute, we find that beer sales fall after a MML comes into effect, suggesting that marijuana substitutes for beer, the most popular alcoholic beverage among young adults."
“Maybe.”
I’ve personally suspected that folks who, given a wider palette of intoxicants, might prefer something different to liquor.
It could make the problem of wanting a fix more obvious. All manner of normal people drink “in moderation.” My dear conservative Baptist friends notwithstanding (and they are actually pretty good with most of their theology) the bible makes a positive role for alcohol, while warning that you can make a big fool out of yourself if you don’t use it the right way, which is to honor God with it. Wine is symbolic of joy. “What God hath joined, let no man put asunder.” Drinking to God is no more an excuse for going on destructive benders than marriage is an excuse for sexual perversions. And if pot is to be smoked, it should only be smoked unto God. Never unto demons. Medicinal use would count; I cannot speculate if any other would, not having known about it.
that there ARE folks who...
I didn’t realize that 10% of the drivers responsible for traffic fatalities were caused by drunk cancer patients.