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Study finds financial gains tied to lifting marijuana ban
03.02.07|honolulu advisor

Up to $33 million in new state revenues and cost savings could be generated by a system of taxation and regulation to replace prohibition of marijuana in Hawai'i, according to a study released today.
University of Hawai'i West Oahu Economist Lawrence W. Boyd concludes that ending law enforcement control of marijuana distribution would save the $10 million spent by police and the courts each year to enforce existing marijuana laws. Instituting a system of taxes and regulations similar to that for alcoholic beverages would create both savings and new revenues of up to $23 million annually.

Boyd's analysis also shows that the $10 million spent in enforcement has failed to reduce the availability of marijuana in Hawai'i. Moreover, marijuana prices have dropped, indicating efforts to restrict supply through law enforcement have failed. About 65 percent of marijuana cases are dismissed, not prosecuted, or stricken, making the risk of arrest or punishment for marijuana use low, according to the study.

The Drug Policy Forum of Hawai'i is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to encourage the development of effective drug policies that minimize economic, social and human costs, and to promote the consideration of pragmatic approaches to drug policy. For more information, including the forum's publication, "The Medical Use of Marijuana: A Guide to Hawai'i's law for physicians, patients, and caregivers," call 988-4386, or visit www.dpfhi.org.