Hawaii marijuana policy to be debated
When Colorado and Washington voted to end their states’ prohibitions on marijuana this past November, we knew marijuana policy would be hotly debated in legislatures across the country. The Aloha State has not disappointed. Bills to reform Hawaii’s medical marijuana program, to create a medical marijuana dispensary program, to remove the threat of jail for simple possession of marijuana, and to end marijuana prohibition in Hawaii have all been introduced or are pending introduction. The 2013 – 2014 legislative session will see the Hawaii Legislature debate the adequacy of its marijuana policies. Please visit MPP’s Hawaii legislation page for details on all pending bills.
It is important that lawmakers understand the need for safe access for medical marijuana patients. It’s vital that they are aware of the heavy-handed consequences of a simple marijuana arrest. It’s necessary for constituents to point out the utter failure of marijuana prohibition. If you are a resident of Hawaii, please call your senator and call your representative and ask for their support for sensible policy reform.
A huge thanks is due to The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and the ACLU-HI for their hands-on advocacy work in Honolulu.
Hawaiians support ending marijuana prohibition
The Drug Policy Action Group and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii recently commissioned QMark Research to poll voter attitudes towards marijuana policy in Hawaii. The poll found that 78% support a dispensary system for medical marijuana, 69% think that jail time for marijuana offenses is inappropriate, and an overwhelming 57% favor a taxed and regulated marijuana system over prohibition. This last number is 20% higher than the last poll conducted in 2005.
In addition to polling, an economic analysis was commissioned from University of Hawaii economist David Nixon. Mr. Nixon estimates that Hawaii could redirect $9 million annually if it stopped arresting individuals for marijuana possession. Additionally, Hawaii could generate tax revenues of up to $11 million annually if the state regulated and taxed the sale of marijuana to adults.
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