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Spliffs and alcohol shouldn’t mix

Posted in General, Marketing, Arif Durrani, Latest reporters' blogs December 4th, 2007 by Arif Durrani

Ask any teenager whether it’s wise to mix spirits with cannabis and most will probably advise against it. As does the Portman Group, the UK’s alcohol body, although admittedly for different reasons.

From today, the industry body has effectively outlawed three Cannabis-flavoured drinks from being imported from Spain on the grounds that it is generally irresponsible.

Perigan’s Cannabis-Flavoured Gin, Iganoff Cannabis-Flavoured Vodka and Rodnik’s Cannabis-Flavoured Absinthe have all been removed from the shelves, and importer Ultimate Brands given a firm slap on the wrist. Metaphorically speaking of course, we all know you’re not supposed to hit anymore.

Along with their silly names, colourful pictures on each label proudly feature a cannabis leaf. While I’m not the biggest fan of outright censorship, the group’s intervention is consistent with its stance that drinks marketing should not be associated with illicit drugs. Unless, of course, you’re talking about acid tabs, then it’s apparently okay….

It was only in August when the same industry watchdog decided it was fine for Pink Elephant wine to keep its name, despite it being a term associated with acid in the sixties and seventies.

The cannabis-inspired drinks producer, Beveland SA, is likely to carry on shifting bottles in Spain, proving that marketing really need not make any sense to work. Let’s for one moment think about what they’re offering. The gin and vodka brands are not claiming to contain cannabis or in anyway get you stoned. Their simple raison d’etre is to “taste” like the drug.

I might be missing something, but I don’t recall the taste of a spliff having much to do with anything. I’ve heard of some people ingesting it, but again I don’t think the plants culinary delights were really driving their decision. In fact quite the opposite, whether in tea, cakes or anything else, I think its flavour is far from widely celebrated. So why the association? Bong-tasting chocolate anyone?

To read the news story related to this blog, go to mad.co.uk