Decriminalizing small amounts of pot sensible

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 23, 2013

~~<p>All eyes are on Colorado and Washington state as Hawaii and other states consider if and when to similarly legalize marijuana. But until more clarity emerges on conflicting federal-state policies, Hawaii can take some logical steps by transferring the medical marijuana program to the Health Department and decriminalizing possession of small amounts for recreational use.</p>
<p>Starting with California in 1996, Hawaii is among 18 states and the District of Columbia that allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes, which has proven effective. The program in Hawaii has been administered by the state Department of Public Safety but should have been transferred long ago to the Department of Health, where it belongs.</p>
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All eyes are on Colorado and Washington state as Hawaii and other states consider if and when to similarly legalize marijuana. But until more clarity emerges on conflicting federal-state policies, Hawaii can take some logical steps by transferring the medical marijuana program to the Health Department and decriminalizing possession of small amounts for recreational use.

Starting with California in 1996, Hawaii is among 18 states and the District of Columbia that allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes, which has proven effective. The program in Hawaii has been administered by the state Department of Public Safety but should have been transferred long ago to the Department of Health, where it belongs. Login for more...