Although once
considered illegal and potentially dangerous throughout the United
States, marijuana is slowly being shown in a positive light as more
states legalize its recreational and medical use. Despite past studies
showing marijuana to be detrimental to one’s health, new studies show
that it is less dangerous than other substances such as alcohol.
Marijuana legalization also has economic benefits to both the government
and the people.
Although Hawai‘i was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana more than 15 years ago, the state has been slow in building dispensaries for those need it. The state has fallen behind the times in legalizing recreational use. As more and more people struggle to keep up with the high cost of living in Hawai‘i, recreational marijuana may be what the local economy needs.
Background on marijuana use
Similar to the 21st Amendment, which prohibited the consumption and manufacturing of alcohol, the decades-long war on drugs has tried to deal with the epidemic of drug use and drugrelated crime throughout America.
In 1971 and later in 1982, President Richard Nixon and then Ronald Reagan declared the war on drugs. Both administrations failed to deal with drugs as a medical and mental issue.
Now 30 years later, many cities —including Honolulu — are filled with overcrowded prisons due to minor drugs offenses, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics, and police continue to unfairly target minority communities nationwide.
Many cities have now implemented new programs to help fix this problem. These solutions include decriminalizing certain low-level drugs, like marijuana, both medical and recreational uses.
Similar to the aftermath of Prohibition, politicians in the United States are starting to realize the many negative unintended consequences of the strict “war on drugs.”
Why legalize recreational marijuana
Oregon, Colorado and Washington are the only states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. University of Denver economist Jack Strauss found that two marijuana dispensaries in Colorado created 280 jobs and $30 million in total economic output between January and June of 2014. Marijuana possession arrests have decreased 84 percent in Colorado since 2010 as well, according to drugfacts.org.
Since 2012, Colorado has seen a now $1 billion
industry thrive, providing economic opportunities and a new source of
funding for public services and resources.
Considering our rich volcanic soil and year round sunny weather, Hawai‘i is the perfect place to grow marijuana. This would not only create jobs but would also stimulate business on neighboring islands, which have struggled to find new sources of income in recent years. Taxing marijuana would not only generate a lot of revenue but also allow Hawai‘i to be less dependent on the federal government.
Marijuana’s benefit to minorities
Despite the large economic benefits of recreational marijuana, the biggest benefit is helping disadvantaged minority communities.
Studies show even though marijuana use is equal between the various races throughout the nation, minority communities still suffer harsher penalties and lengthier prison sentences even for minor drug offenses.
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Hawai‘i may help with prison overcrowding by setting free those with marijuana while also opening up new economic windows.
Although Hawai‘i was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana more than 15 years ago, the state has been slow in building dispensaries for those need it. The state has fallen behind the times in legalizing recreational use. As more and more people struggle to keep up with the high cost of living in Hawai‘i, recreational marijuana may be what the local economy needs.
Background on marijuana use
Similar to the 21st Amendment, which prohibited the consumption and manufacturing of alcohol, the decades-long war on drugs has tried to deal with the epidemic of drug use and drugrelated crime throughout America.
In 1971 and later in 1982, President Richard Nixon and then Ronald Reagan declared the war on drugs. Both administrations failed to deal with drugs as a medical and mental issue.
Now 30 years later, many cities —including Honolulu — are filled with overcrowded prisons due to minor drugs offenses, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics, and police continue to unfairly target minority communities nationwide.
Many cities have now implemented new programs to help fix this problem. These solutions include decriminalizing certain low-level drugs, like marijuana, both medical and recreational uses.
Similar to the aftermath of Prohibition, politicians in the United States are starting to realize the many negative unintended consequences of the strict “war on drugs.”
Why legalize recreational marijuana
Oregon, Colorado and Washington are the only states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. University of Denver economist Jack Strauss found that two marijuana dispensaries in Colorado created 280 jobs and $30 million in total economic output between January and June of 2014. Marijuana possession arrests have decreased 84 percent in Colorado since 2010 as well, according to drugfacts.org.
Considering our rich volcanic soil and year round sunny weather, Hawai‘i is the perfect place to grow marijuana. This would not only create jobs but would also stimulate business on neighboring islands, which have struggled to find new sources of income in recent years. Taxing marijuana would not only generate a lot of revenue but also allow Hawai‘i to be less dependent on the federal government.
Marijuana’s benefit to minorities
Despite the large economic benefits of recreational marijuana, the biggest benefit is helping disadvantaged minority communities.
Studies show even though marijuana use is equal between the various races throughout the nation, minority communities still suffer harsher penalties and lengthier prison sentences even for minor drug offenses.
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Hawai‘i may help with prison overcrowding by setting free those with marijuana while also opening up new economic windows.
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