Hawaii decrminializes marijuana for medical use.

(Honolulu-AP) -- Hawaii has become the first state to decriminalize medical marijuana through the legislature.<br><br>Governor Ben Cayetano has signed a bill<br>approving the possession and use of pot

Wednesday, June 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Honolulu-AP) -- Hawaii has become the first state to decriminalize medical marijuana through the legislature.

Governor Ben Cayetano has signed a bill
approving the possession and use of pot for medical purposes.

Several other states have done so through ballot measures.

Cayetano says the new law is part of an effort to make Hawaii the health care center of the Pacific.

It's against federal law for doctors to prescribe the drug, and the Justice Department is challenging state laws that let doctors
recommend marijuana to patients suffering from cancer and other conditions.