Cayetano
backs medicinal
marijuana

The governor will propose
that state lawmakers approve the
legislation at their next session

Associated Press

Gov. Ben Cayetano will push for a law legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

The governor said he would propose a bill when the Legislature convenes next month to make it legal for people to use marijuana if they have a legitimate medical reason to do so.

A similar bill was introduced last legislative session, but it died.

"I will introduce a bill at the state Legislature to look into if it is feasible for Hawaii," the governor said Thursday night.

Voters in California, Arizona, Oregon and Washington have voted to allow seriously ill people, like those with cancer or AIDS, to be allowed to buy and use marijuana without fear of criminal prosecution.

The state needs to be a leader in the issue if it hopes to become a health and wellness center for the Pacific, Cayetano said.

"We need to be at the forefront of treatment," he said.

Cayetano downplayed criticism that opposes legalizing use of the drug, saying it's being used throughout the world.

Medical marijuana advocate Chuck Thomas spoke Thursday night to the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, saying there are no loopholes in legislation that approve medical use of marijuana.

"No way it will protect anyone other than seriously ill patients," Thomas said. "The bill we designed is loophole-free."

Glenn Robinette is glad the governor is getting involved in the issue. He has been ingesting marijuana for 10 years, since a car accident left him with a severe spinal cord injury. He said he always worries that one day he will be arrested for using the illegal weed.

"You wonder when you are going to be arrested for this," he said.