Hawaii declined to hear a bill on legalizing marijuana on Tuesday, which effectively ended any legitimate effort to legalize the drug in the state. It was a bold move in a political climate that unfortunately seems to favor legalizing the drug despite the numerous studies that warn of marijuana’s dangers. Other states should follow Hawaii’s lead and pass on hearing any legislation supporting legalization. 

“The path to legalizing adult-use cannabis has been a deeply divisive issue,” state House Finance Committee Chairman Kyle T. Yamashita said in a released statement about the decision. “This year marked its furthest progression, with SB3335 narrowly passing its second reading. Due to numerous concerns regarding the implementation of the bill, the House has decided against further deliberation in the House Finance Committee. This decision is strengthened by the prevailing ‘no’ votes from committee members expressed on the House floor.”