Bill to Legalize Marijuana Again Fails in Democrat-Controlled Hawaii
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 House of Representatives rejecting a proposal to flood the state with marijuana and high-potency THC drugs:
“Today’s rebuke of the pot profiteers is a huge victory for those fighting against industry’s web of lies that marijuana commercialization is a win for taxpayers, user safety, and even social justice. Hawaii’s House members wisely chose the side of science and medical data, and made it clear they aren’t fooled by an industry that puts profits over people. For that, House members should be commended.
“Across the nation, drug commercialization has been a net negative, universally harming public health, increasing youth use, spurring more drugged driving fatalities, and harming minority communities. Commercialization has also increased addiction rates and has served as a catalyst for the illicit market. Those outcomes and more would have been the same in Hawaii.
“Thanks to the hard work of our coalition of public health and safety officials, faith leaders, parents, and medical professionals, as well as partners like Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm, legislators heard the warning about the serious consequences from commercial pot sales and said ‘NO’ to Big Marijuana.”