With one-fourth of the U.S. population living in adult-use cannabis states, and two-thirds of all Americans supporting legalization, it is heartening to see lively discussion in the Aloha State.

Cannabis prohibition is rooted in racism, with a present-day disparate impact on many communities of color including Native Hawaiians. Legalization is the first step to righting this injustice, but it must be accompanied by conviction expungements and an inclusive “tax and regulate” system.

“Lessons” from other states highlighted by letter-writer Greg Tjapkes are not what they seem (“Legalizing marijuana very bad for Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 23). Detection of cannabis in the system simply does not equate to impaired driving and in Colorado and Washington, youth use has not increased since legalization.

Colorado’s cannabis tax base is actually growing, and at 1.5 percent of all revenue, is already outstripping tobacco’s. That could translate to more than $80 million per year here in Hawaii, hardly trivial. A just policy that also increases opportunity is a clear win-win.

Carl Bergquist

Executive director, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii

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