Big Island poll results: Everyone has an opinion when it comes to legalizing marijuana

One of the most talked about pieces of legislation discussed by Hawai‘i lawmakers for a few years now has been the legalization of recreational marijuana.

With the State Attorney General Office believing this legislative session could be the year adult-use cannabis could pass into law, they offered insight into including public safety and public health provisions in the measure. Attorney General Anne Lopez filed a report and draft bill that warned the legislature of the risks while providing a framework that includes robust public safety and public health safeguards.

Big Island Now readers are ready for recreational marijuana to become legal. According to our latest poll, more than half the voters — 66% — indicated that cannabis should have been legalized years ago with 908 votes.

Big Island Now reader, identified as Hammy Ham Hamster wrote: “Cannabis should be just as legal and easy to obtain anywhere as alcohol currently is. In every single state. No exceptions…”

CS wrote: “I believe in this crazy world that people need cannabis more than ever. Whether it be medical reasons or just recreational use to unwind. I know it gives people an alternative to alcohol and prescription medications also replacing some illicit substances that have become a startling factor in our communities…”

With 161 votes, voters supported the legalization of marijuana as long as there were public safety measures in place.

Very few voters felt it shouldn’t be legal, and nearly no one had an opinion on the topic.

Corky wrote: “Currently, cannabis is federally illegal. This prevents patients who need – and can get – medical marijuana from using it for medicinal purposes even when it would replace, for example, far less effective, and more dangerous (and problematic) opioids. If a patient is found to be using medical marijuana he may lose his job or his access to traditional prescribed drugs if tested at work or by a prescribing physician.”

View the full poll results below:

• Yes! It should’ve been legal years ago. 908 (66%)
• Yes. As long as there is a system in place to protect public welfare. 161 (11%)
• Absolutely not. 143 (10%)
• I support medicinal use, but not recreational use of cannabis. 132 (9%)
• I’m on the fence. 6 (0%)
• I have no opinion. 15 (1%)
• Total Votes: 1,365