Bill to Legalize Marijuana Has Previously Been Defeated At Least 10 Times
(HONOLULU, HI) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, released the following statement today in response to the Hawaii State Senate voting to flood the state with high-potency THC drugs and marijuana:
“Nothing says, ‘Visit Hawaii’ like the smell of pot everywhere. The addiction industry has spun a web of lies that marijuana commercialization is a win for taxpayers, user safety, and even social justice. Yet across the country when states have passed commercialization it has instead universally harmed public health, increased youth use, spurred more drugged driving fatalities, and victimized minority communities. It has increased addiction rates and put the illicit market on steroids. Anyone who thinks the outcome in Hawaii would be any different is kidding themselves or has been bought off by the industry lobbyists.
“For at least ten consecutive years, the effort to flood the state with more drugs has failed in Democratic-controlled Hawaii. With the support of our coalition of public health and safety officials, faith leaders, parents, and medical professionals, I am confident we will prevail again this year.
“Members of the State House of Representatives must stand on the side of science and medical data, and not be fooled by an industry that puts profits over people. We look forward to continuing to partner with Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm, SAM Hawaii, and other community leaders to call attention to the serious consequences that will result if the Legislature advances commercial drug sales.”