Opposition to Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Hawaii Grows
A group of community leaders and law enforcement officials in Hawaii have joined forces to express their concerns and opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state. Their primary worries revolve around the potential for an increase in crime and the perpetuation of the illicit market.
Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, who is part of the opposing group, argues that two recent bills aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in Hawaii would not eradicate the existing illicit market. His stance is based on the observation that states that have already legalized marijuana have experienced a growth in the black market due to an increase in users.
Governor Josh Green, a physician, has taken a different stance and supports the legalization bills. He views cannabis as a “lesser evil” when compared to harder drugs, suggesting that marijuana could help mitigate the effects of heavy drug use and potentially reduce violence. However, police chiefs from Maui and Kauai, who have experienced the consequences of legalization in Nevada, disagree with the governor’s perspective.
Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck, who worked in law enforcement in Las Vegas when marijuana was legalized there, asserts that criminals exploited the legalization to expand their criminal activities. Similarly, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier expresses concerns about an increase in violent crime and homelessness if recreational marijuana were to be legalized.
Former governor Linda Lingle has also spoken out against the bills, breaking her 14-year silence to voice her opposition. She believes that legalizing marijuana would only complicate the state’s existing issues and make them even more challenging to solve.
Despite the opposition, proponents of legalization within the cannabis industry argue that the potential issues are solvable and that legalization is not as ominous as it may appear. Nikos Leverenz of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii sees an opportunity for boosting the state’s economy, while Ty Cheng, president of Aloha Green Apothecary, emphasizes the importance of reducing harm and addressing issues related to children. They believe that implementing strict regulations and good governance can help protect public safety.
The debate over recreational marijuana legalization in Hawaii is set to continue with a joint legislative hearing for the bill scheduled for next week. As stakeholders on both sides present their arguments, the fate of recreational marijuana in Hawaii hangs in the balance.
