Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D), in an interview with this week’s newspaper, spoke of the state’s progress towards marijuana legalization during this legislative session. He called the policy change “a big social issue” that still needs to be addressed.
Green said that the change is “a little more complex because the federal government has not yet changed the way it schedules marijuana, which really wacko.”
The governor also responded to opponents’ concerns that legalizing cannabis in the state would lead to public health issues, stating it could bring benefits.
Green said in an interview with Hawaii News Now that aired Tuesday that “I do not think that the sky would fall if marijuana was legalized.” He added: “I have also some thoughts that marijuana could blunt the effects, if you like, of these heavy drugs, those horrible drugs.”
CDC data shows that Hawaii had one of the lowest rates of drug overdose deaths in the nation. However, in 2021, which is the latest year for which there are data available, 269 people in Hawaii died from drug overdoses.
Cannabis is a “relative sedative” in contrast, the governor stated.
“People are much less violent.” He quipped that they are hungrier but, aside from snacking on Cheetos and stealing them, will probably do less damage.
Under the former Democratic Governor, advocates of legalization struggled. Dave Ige was adamantly opposed to the reform, in part because of his reluctance to pass anything that would conflict with federal law. Since Green became governor, activists feel more confident. Since 2022, he has said he would sign a bill legalizing marijuana.
Green was unable to make a prediction about whether Hawaii would adopt a legalization bill this year, but said it depends on if a reform law passes the legislature.
He said, “It might happen.” “I believe that adults should be allowed to decide how to act in any situation, so long as it doesn’t hurt others. “I would sign the bill if it reached the 5th floor of the legislature.”
He said that the proposal should be safe, and “not too easy to obtain” by children.
Green noted that the brain continues to develop into one’s 20s.
The Governor said that the legislation proposed by Attorney General Anne Lopez(D) has “given some basic standards for safety” which she would like to see, if it passes. The bill was officially introduced by Rep. David Tarnas, (D), in the House of Representatives and Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, (D), in the Senate late last month.
Legalization supporters have applauded the progress of a framework to legalize marijuana, but Lopez’s plan has been criticized as being too punitive. It still views marijuana as an issue for law enforcement.
Nikos Leverenz of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawai’i and Hawai’i Health and Harm Reduction Center told Marijuana Moment that the bill should not be legalized.
Karen O’Keefe of Marijuana Policy Project’s state policy director said that the bills being introduced might actually do more harm than benefit to the cause for cannabis justice.
Since the proposal was first presented by AG Lopez, some changes have been made. The latest bill, for example, would increase the proposed DUI limit for drivers from 5 nanograms to 10 ng/mL. Advocates have said that the per se limit would still catch sober drivers who may have used the drug a few days ago.
The bill also includes expungement language to allow people to erase certain past cannabis convictions. However, advocates claim that the current version of the bill is not clear. The bill says that records “shall ordered to be expunged” but then refers to the petition process where individuals can ask a court for their records to be erased beginning in 2026.
A new bill would also create criminal penalties for those under 21 who are found to be in possession of marijuana. They could face up 30 days in prison and a fine up to $1000 for possession up to 3 grams. Those aged 18 to 20 can apply for deferred prosecution or probation. Minors will be sent to the family court, and can petition for expungement once they have completed their sentences.
Other states include non-discrimination laws for cannabis consumers.
Opponents of the legalization–including one of Green’s gubernatorial predecessors–however, spoke out against the proposed change at an event this week.
Linda Lingle (R) said, according to an Island News report on the event. Linda Lingle (R), according to Island News ‘s report about the event, said.
Lingle was joined by Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi, prosecutor Steve Alm, and four county chiefs of police at the event. The opponents raised concerns about teenage marijuana use.
According to Honolulu Civil Beat, Big Island Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz stated, “If you believe increasing availability or making something popular will reduce these types of situations, you are sorely wrong.”
A federally funded survey in 2022 concluded that legalization was not associated with increased teen use. A federally-funded survey conducted in 2022 found that the legalization did not lead to an increase in teen usage.
Other speakers at the event in opposition warned that this change would increase crime and decrease tourism.
In an interview with Hawaii News Now, the Governor also discussed the state’s medical cannabis program. He said that he found the provisions “restrictive” and compared his position to that of abortion.
You know how we talked about not interfering in other people’s affairs regarding women’s reproductive right? He said that we just said “Look, this is between the woman and her physician.” “I have the same feelings about medical marijuana and how rules can be restrictive to someone who wants to use medical marijuana for pain, anxiety, or nausea relief.”
“If I could, I’d lift all of those restrictions,” he said, “so that it was simply a matter between the physician and her patients.” This would also be great and would go a very long way.
The Democrats who control the Hawaii Senate announced last month that legalizing cannabis is one of the top priorities for this legislative session. They framed the reform as a way to boost the economy of the state.
The Senate has passed a separate bill for legalization that is stalling the House. Legislators have indicated that 2024 could be the year when legalization is passed.
A separate marijuana legalization bill that passed the Senate in march is still on the table in the two-year session of the legislature.
In the meantime, in the House of Representatives, two committees have advanced a separate Bill this month which would provide explicit legal protections for the therapeutic use psilocybin . Patients who meet the criteria would be allowed to consume and possess psilocybin under the supervision of a facilitator.
Congressional researchers say lack of banking access makes marijuana businesses ‘heavily reliant on cash’ and targets of crime
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The first time Marijuana Moment was published, the post Hawaii Gov. Says Legalizing Marijuana Could ‘Blunt” Negative Effects of Other ‘Horrible Drugs.
