Supporters and Legislators of Hawaiian's Medical Marijuana Bill Still Entrenced

Medical Marijuana supporters and detractors of a medical marijuana bill are still entrenched, but a light may be at the end of the tunnel.

Medical Marijuana was passed in Hawaii in 2000, yet the discussion over legislation and proper treatment still remains. As with most of the 14 current states that allow for the medical use of marijuana to registered patients who obtain a physician's recommendation--there is continued debate between the patients and those authorities who believe the allowance and acceptance of medical marijuana facilities will lead to more problems that it is worth. The vast majority of Hawaii's law enforcement and prosecutors fear the ease of start-up, and lack of proper enforcement will lead to more illegal usage that patient based.

However, supporters of the bill make the argument that they have the unique opportunity to start things off correctly by founding state and county approved facilities to cultivate and distribute medication safely and under supervision. Currently, Hawaii's laws allow for registered patients to posses and transport, but do not specify how the patient can obtain cannabis. Without the suggested facilities, patients must either look to the black market or grow themselves. Those against such facilities argue that state run establishment will turn the government into drug dealers.

It would appear that those not in support of medical marijuana in the respective states all stand on a decreasing island of complaints against the use of the medication. As public use and support increases, it seems inevitable that the decision will soon be brought forth on a national level.