From what I have seen, alcohol has a downside similar to pot.
But alcohol has more upside than pot. It apparently has some cardio benefits. Pot gives you reduced lung capacity and cancer in some cases.
Alcohol gets people to be more social. Pot puts you in your own little world.
On a cost benefit ratio, alcohol beats pot.
I will agree with you that for those who abuse, alcohol is just as bad or worse than pot.
On that note, I've never seen anyone get into a fight while stoned. Drunks, on the other hand...
Let's just take 1 "minor" statistic.
How many people do you know that have died or had thier lives ruined due to alcohol?
How many due to pot (not every illegal drug...just pot)?
NOT ONE PERSON has ever died due to mariajuana poisoning.
Alcohol poisoning causes over 4,000 deaths per year.
Alcohol Poisoning
On the other hand, I've never seen a violent fight between two stoned guys. Maybe an argument over the chips or remote control. But there is a sizable percentage of drinkers who get angry or even violent when they drink.
Mark