Hawaii is among the bluest of states, but when it comes to legalizing marijuana, it is out of step with liberal stalwarts such as California and Vermont. A bill that would legalize marijuana in the islands faces significant obstacles from leaders worried about contradicting federal law and jeopardizing Hawaii’s existing medical marijuana program. Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English has introduced marijuana legalization bills for the past 15 years. But the effort is facing significant obstacles from leaders worried about contradicting federal law, which continues to classify marijuana as an illegal drug, and jeopardizing Hawaii’s existing medical marijuana program. Hawaii also will have to make sure legalized marijuana doesn’t lead to more impaired driving, she said.

Source: Washington Post March 01, 2019 06:00 UTC