A bill to legalize recreational cannabis, Senate Bill 669, recently failed in the Hawaii state House of Representatives. This effectively eliminates the chance for comprehensive marijuana reform this year. Despite approval by the Hawaii state Senate, the bill did not advance past the House of Representatives due to a missed legislative deadline. Before diving into the details of the failed bill, let’s look at the history of cannabis in Hawaii and the potential for future legalization efforts.
The Cultural Significance of Cannabis in Hawaii
Cannabis, known as “pakalolo” in Hawaiian, has had a long-standing relationship with Hawaiian culture, dating back to the early Polynesian settlers who brought the plant to the islands. Over time, cannabis has been used in various aspects of Hawaiian life, from religious rituals to traditional medicine.
Hawaii has seen several attempts at cannabis legalization and decriminalization over the years. In 2000, Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical marijuana through legislative action with Act 228. This groundbreaking legislation allowed patients with certain qualifying conditions to use cannabis for medicinal purposes under a physician’s recommendation. However, the law did not establish a framework for dispensaries, leaving patients to grow their own medicine or rely on caregivers.
In 2015, Governor David Ige signed Act 241 into law, finally establishing a regulated medical cannabis dispensary system in Hawaii. The first dispensaries opened their doors in 2017, providing patients with easier access to medical marijuana.
As for recreational use, there have been various legislative efforts, such as Senate Bill 767 in 2021, which aimed to legalize recreational cannabis use but ultimately failed to pass.
The Journey of Senate Bill 669: From Senate Approval to House Failure
The legislation, a “phased-in approach” to cannabis legalization for adults in the Aloha State, was passed by the Hawaii Senate with a 22-3 vote on March 7, 2023. Despite its initial success, the bill was referred to three House legislative committees for further consideration, where it ultimately failed to meet the required deadline for approval in 2023. The deadline passed without action from any of the three committees, leaving the bill dead for the rest of the year.
A Comprehensive Look at Hawaii’s Failed Cannabis Legalization Bill
Senate Bill 669 aimed to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use and establish a regulatory framework for legal sales of cannabis. If passed, the bill would have allowed adults aged 21 and older to possess, transfer, and transport up to 30 grams of cannabis. Additionally, it would have legalized the home cultivation of up to six cannabis plants, with no more than three mature, flowering plants.
The bill also included provisions for expunging some marijuana-related convictions, reducing penalties for unlicensed cannabis cultivation and sales, and creating a Hawaii Cannabis Authority to oversee recreational marijuana regulation. A 10% tax on retail sales of adult-use cannabis was proposed as well.
To maintain access to cannabis for medical patients, existing medical marijuana license holders would have been required to submit a plan before converting to a dual license permitting the sale of adult-use cannabis.
The Road Ahead: Future Prospects for Cannabis Legalization in Hawaii
Though disappointing, the failure of Senate Bill 669 isn’t the end of the road for cannabis legalization in Hawaii. The bill can be revived in 2024, giving it another chance for passage during the current legislative session. Advocates, such as Marijuana Policy Project’s DeVaughn Ward, are hopeful that 2024 will be the year Hawaii legalizes adult-use cannabis.
