According to a report on PsychCentral.com, the largest and oldest Web-based independent mental health social network, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley have found that substituting marijuana for alcohol could help people overcome alcohol abuse.

Amanda Reiman carried out the study at the UC-Berkeley Patient’s Group, a medical cannabis dispensary.

She said, “Substituting cannabis for alcohol has been described as a radical alcohol treatment protocol. This approach could be used to address heavy alcohol use in the British Isles - people might substitute cannabis, a potentially safer drug than alcohol with less negative side effects, if it were socially acceptable and available.”

An abstract of the study has been published in the Harm Reduction Journal, and you can find SAFER's news release regarding it by clicking below. 

The following review was originally published HERE on LewRockwell.com

Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People To Drink?

By Mark Thornton

The authors of this book work on the frontlines in the battle against marijuana prohibition. Steve Fox (Marijuana Policy Project), LRC columnist Paul Armentano (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), and Mason Tvert (Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation) make the case for marijuana legalization based on the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol.

In the forward to the book, the former Chief of the Seattle Police Department makes the important observation that police officers experience criminals and victims of alcohol-related crime and violence on a daily basis, while such marijuana-related violence is almost unheard of.

The "marijuana is safer" message of the book is based on the fact that marijuana consumption is safer and healthier to consume compared to alcohol. It also results in far less violence and crime than alcohol and produces fewer costs on society. They make their case by presenting results from government studies and other scientific research.

In this light, our draconian marijuana laws reduce marijuana and increase alcohol consumption, as basic economics would suggest. Therefore, if we reformed our marijuana laws, consumption patterns would move away from alcohol and we would be safer, healthier, and better off in many respects.

The latest episode of John Doe Radio features SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert, who discusses his book, the booming medical marijuana industry in Colorado, and what lies ahead for SAFER in the new year. 

Click HERE to check it out.