Ban on Four Loko, Loko?

There has been a lot of coverage recently about the drink Four Loko, and those similar that are essentially an energy drink and alcohol in a can. More and more states seem to be banning the drink as Massachusetts just did.

Before I begin, I will tell you I have never actually had this beverage and therefore cannot comment based on experience. I have had mixed energy drinks and alcohol - either on my own or ordering from a bar. I will touch more on this in a little bit.

Is there evidence that there have been issues due to the drink? Unfortunately, yes. Caffeine and alcohol can be a very bad combination, especially when taken in large quantities. I support what is happening and agree that things such as this should be taken off the market. It will no longer be sold in stores, and will be made difficult to get. Well now, let's think about this...

Energy drinks are sold in every store I can think of, and alcohol well, if you're 21 you can buy it. What's the issue here? Sure you can take the drink off the market, but you will not stop young adults from buying the two main ingredients and creating the exact same beverage. In fact, by banning the drink you will only open the door for more people to rebel and drink it more. Young adults, especially those in college do not think about the pros and cons of a drink prior to drinking it. That's before they're a couple of drinks deep when their common sense is long gone. If they want to make a slightly larger effort, they must prohibit restaurants, bars, clubs from making these drinks. Although this would be another step, it is nearly impossible to stop people from making the drink on their own.

Another thought that crossed my mind as I wrote this was that this drink had to have been approved by the FDA? And I'm going to assume it was. Sure the drink may have nothing illegal in it and it may be okay when consumed in small quantities. But did no one predict the mess it has caused? You are taking a beverage made from caffeine and alcohol, and targeting a younger generation that is very immature. This is a group that tends to ignore limits, and will only become more immature the more they drink. Yes, there are suggested amounts for consumption by companies and the FDA, but these are frequently ignored. Maybe in addition to just banning the sale of Four Loko, the government should take a look at the FDA and figure out how such a product was allowed to be sold in the first place.

Talk about Loko...