Even when pot becomes legal, I don't think it's going to replace alcohol. They feel different, and I like different substances for different occasions.
I think this point could open the door to a more interesting conversation if we take pot out of the equation.
I do agree that we need to legalize pot, and I can see how for some people it would have this effect. In my experience, it's not so much that pot replaces the effects of alcohol (much different effects as mentioned by others), the real impact for me is just being in the habit of using one over the other to alter consciousness/relax.
Considering the wide range of molecules that are psychoactive, it is interesting to consider what 'drugs' could be seen as a better alternative to alcohol. Interested if anyone here has ideas on what less harmful substance(s) could step in to fill this role?
Anecdotally in the Denver/Boulder area I haven't seen an impact. People who drink haven't converted to pot, because - IMHO - it's been "decriminalized" for so long. At places I work we still go out for a beer after work and restaurants are generally unwilling to allow pot products as they are alcohol (that may be a corporate or regulatory thing though).
You can get high by drinking... water. You can get as euphoric as drinking alcohol while being sober if you learn to enjoy your life (as opposed of chasing the "perfect life", where "perfect" is defined by other people, ads and unrealistic expectations).