Alcohol seems only to be a problem when people are either very young, are experimenting with stretching their wings and underpants, or with those older ones who become alcoholics and have a hard time for the rest of their lives, even if they manage to stay off the drinks. Mostly, I think alcohol remains a kind of social lubricant that removes some self-consciousness but, unfortunately, often a lot more than that. It does improve a good meal, though.
More strongly enforced traffic checks in the U.K. have reduced the drunk driver element somewhat, and appear to have affected pub turnover in some areas. No bad thing.
Pot may or may not be "harmless" and may even have some genuine medical uses - I don't pretend to know. On the other hand, the medical value of self-administered cocaine, heroin etc. entirely evades me as does the reason why anybody of sane mind would feel the urge to use it. Recreational; if ever there was a misnomer, that's got to be it!
Whether or nor making drugs legal is a money-spinner for the government is another matter, and to me, seems one of the more cynical ideas any government has put forward. I suppose they will claim it's wonderful news for the health service, which will then receive so many millions per week extra... there is precedent, as all Brits know only too well.
Yes, I am aware that many people want drugs. Many also want to screw their neighbour's wife and/or daughters (or sons, I dare say). Is that sound cause to say, you know what, let's do it!
There are all sorts of unsavoury appetites in this world; their existence is no reason for making the satisfaction of same legally available.
I suppose I can't express this clearly enough to make my point, so I might as well say nothing more.