HONOLULU (KHON2) — Leaders from across Hawaii are uniting in their opposition to the legalization of commercial marijuana.
In opening remarks, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm said marijuana is not the same that it was years ago and the legalization will not make the black market go away.
“Legalizing today’s high potency marijuana will increase use among adults and children, cause more mental health problems, result in more fatal vehicle crashes, hurt tourism, and cost us all more money in the long run,” said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm in a media advisory about the event. “But together we can avoid the mistake other states have made by telling lawmakers we oppose legalizing commercial marijuana.”
Among the speakers were police chiefs from all counties and former Governor Linda Lingle.
In response to Wednesdayʻs panel, Nikos Leverenz, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii Board President said, “As with the larger drug war, cannabis criminalization disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiians and others from under-resourced communities. The criminalization of substance use and behavioral health problems contravenes sound public health policy, particularly when it comes to those who face obstacles in accessing basic medical care.”