The Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association (HICIA) revealed Tuesday that the large majority of Hawaiians back cannabis legalization. According to poll results published Tuesday, as much as 86% of Hawaii residents think that marijuana should be legal.

What’s more, recreational cannabis reform had even more support – 45% - than medical use-only - 41%, writes KITV.

More than 600 adult Hawaii residents took part in the survey in December. HICIA president said this kind of support and more than $81 million in taxes projected should be enough reasons for the island to do what 21 states have already done.

Recent Cannabis Developments In Hawaii

The poll results come on the heels of Hawaiian lawmakers officially filing a bill to legalize cannabis.

Sponsored separately in their respective chambers, by Rep. Jeanné Kapela (D) and Sen. Chris Lee (D), the bill’s introductory text reads: “Legalization of cannabis for personal or recreational use is a natural, logical, and reasonable outgrowth of the current science of cannabis and attitude toward cannabis (...) The legislature further finds that cannabis cultivation and sales hold potential for economic development, increased tax revenues, and reduction in crime.”

Just about two weeks earlier several social justice advocacy groups rallied in support of a bill to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis in Hawaii.

During a recent press conference alongside state lawmakers, an activist coalition called on Gov. Josh Green and the legislature to focus on criminal justice measures in cannabis legalization bills this session.

Legal cannabis presents "real opportunities for Hawaii to expand its economy and generate revenue," DeVaughn Ward, senior legislative counsel at the Marijuana Policy Project said at the time. Ward also cited how "reparative justice, equity, and consumer protection are at the heart of Hawaii's cannabis policy."

Photo: Courtesy of Braden Jarvis on Unsplash