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AT CONFERENCE, PROSECUTOR MAKES THE CASE AGAINST LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL WEED

Honolulu's prosecutor gathered Hawaii power brokers together to push back
against efforts to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii.
By Eddie Dowd
Published: Aug. 29, 2023 at 5:32 PM HST|Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 5:45 PM HST


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu’s city prosecutor brought together other
power players in Hawaii on Tuesday to push back against efforts to legalize
recreational marijuana in the islands.

At a conference in Waikiki on Tuesday, Prosecutor Steve Alm made the case
against legalizing weed in Hawaii. “When you increase access and availability
... we’d be saying it’s OK,” Alm said.

“And you know, the kids are going to say ‘Hey, it’s OK.’ That’s what the
lawmakers say.”

Alm addressed a crowd that included high-ranking Hawaii officials and community
leaders, including Honolulu’s police chief, vice president of the state Senate,
Honolulu City Council members, and business owners.



The conference had key note speakers from the national group SAM, Smart
Approaches to Marijuana. They warned the audience that people seeking profits
will push to legalize marijuana despite the detrimental impacts they believe it
would have on Hawai‛i’s health and wellbeing.

“Big Marijuana has inflicted its harm on countless communities and they’ve again
set their sights on Hawai‛i,” said featured speaker Kevin Sabet, Ph.D.,
President of SAM.

“They are gambling with the lives of young people who are susceptible to these
industrialized high-potency THC drugs. Like its predecessors Big Tobacco and Big
Alcohol, Big Marijuana is intentionally designing drugs to create a new
generation of high-frequency users. Today’s THC drugs come in candies, vape oils
and other forms that are more than four times more potent than the Woodstock
weed.”

The gathering comes after the state Senate passed a measure in March to legalize
recreational marijuana. The bill was never heard in the House, but lawmakers
pledged to pick it up again.



Alm is trying to stall the momentum.

On Tuesday, citing study after study, he talked about the harmful effects of the
drug.

Those in favor of legalizing marijuana, however, argue its already here and some
lawmakers say public will is on their side — with more than 20 states already
allowing recreation use.

“Why not ensure safe tested access by regulated businesses that are taxed
appropriately,” said state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who represents parts of
Windward Oahu.

“Let’s be honest about this, it’s every where in Hawaii and it has been.”

Copyright 2023 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.



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