Hawaii Senators Weigh Path to Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults made their case to state senators on Tuesday, but faced opposition and uncertainty under the Trump administration. Two bills were presented to the Senate health and consumer protection committees, which would allow low-dose THC hemp or cannabis products.
However, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm and others expressed concerns about addiction, citing that daily marijuana users now outnumber daily drinkers. Connie Mitchell, from the Institute for Human Services, shared her experience with homelessness and substance use disorders, fearing that legalizing marijuana would make the problem worse.
On the other hand, supporters argued that the low-dose THC products are medically beneficial and popular with voters. Carolyn Golojuch, 79, testified that she would use marijuana for medical purposes, citing its benefits for aches and pains. Karen O’Keefe from the Marijuana Policy Project emphasized that adults should not be punished for using a substance that is safer than alcohol.
Critics also raised concerns about youth safety, with Laverne Moore, a retired special education teacher, warning that even small amounts of THC could disrupt classroom learning. Andrew Goth from the Office of Cannabis Control and Regulation agreed that there are public health concerns, especially for youth.
Another proposal would establish a comprehensive system for recreational marijuana, but only if approved by a state constitutional amendment or made legal nationwide by the president. Ty Cheng from the Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association emphasized the importance of being prepared for federal legalization.
Former lawmaker Marcus Oshiro questioned whether lawmakers have sufficient information to make decisions, citing the lack of data and science to support their decisions. The fate of the bills remains uncertain, with the Trump administration’s stance on marijuana legalization still unclear.
