Hawaii Makes a Push to Legalize Weed, Although Most People Would Assume Marijuana Has Been Legal in Hawaii for Decades

Despite these efforts towards legalization, there is a concerted opposition movement in Hawaii, with various law enforcement agencies and officials, including former Republican Governor Linda Lingle, holding a news conference to criticize marijuana reform. Their arguments typically revolve around concerns of increased violent crime, underage usage, homelessness, and adverse effects on tourism, although research suggests contrary outcomes in jurisdictions with adult-use programs.