Arguments against pot debunked by research

I was sorry to hear that the author of the letter opposing cannabis legalization in Hawaii had a personal problem with pakalolo at one time. Cannabis affects different people differently — like many substances, it can be problematic for some people and beneficial for others. But his arguments against legalization have all been debunked.

In the U.S., 36 states have approved of medicinal marijuana, including Hawaii. Nationwide, 15 states and the District of Columbia have already legalized responsible adult recreational use. The federal government is poised to decriminalize marijuana this year. Canada legalized recreational use in 2018 and Mexico is about to do so, likely before the end of this month. These folks realize that cannabis prohibition has been just as ineffective, inefficient and problematic as alcohol prohibition. It is far more intelligent to regulate, control and tax it.

By legalizing and regulating cannabis, authorities actually know who is selling it, where it is being sold, when, and to whom. In jurisdictions where cannabis is legal, it is produced and sold by legitimate, taxpaying businesses instead of drug cartels and criminals.

Cannabis is objectively less harmful than alcohol to the consumer and to society. It is less toxic, less harmful to the body, less addictive and less likely to contribute to violent or reckless behavior. No one in recorded history has ever died from an overdose of marijuana.

We should move forward with marijuana legalization in Hawaii and begin benefitting from the control of it.

Kirk Boes

Lahaina