Hold hearings on status of pot

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 14, 2013

~~<p>Proponents of legalizing recreational marijuana are following two states that have taken that step and are pointing to a recent poll indicating that such a move has gained support in Hawaii. These indicators reflect a growing trend nationally to accept the legal use of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes. While it may not be time for Hawaii to jump on this bandwagon, it's certainly time for the Legislature to hold hearings on the issue and chart a way forward.</p>
<p>Voters in Colorado and Washington states agreed last year to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. Marijuana use violates the federal Controlled Substances Act, and the U.S. attorney in Seattle warned Washington residents after the election that "growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remains illegal under federal law." Since then, however, President Barack Obama has appeared reluctant to enforce it.</p>
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Proponents of legalizing recreational marijuana are following two states that have taken that step and are pointing to a recent poll indicating that such a move has gained support in Hawaii. These indicators reflect a growing trend nationally to accept the legal use of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes. While it may not be time for Hawaii to jump on this bandwagon, it's certainly time for the Legislature to hold hearings on the issue and chart a way forward.

Voters in Colorado and Washington states agreed last year to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. Marijuana use violates the federal Controlled Substances Act, and the U.S. attorney in Seattle warned Washington residents after the election that "growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remains illegal under federal law." Since then, however, President Barack Obama has appeared reluctant to enforce it. Login for more...