Hawaii House lawmaker claims that the marijuana legalization bill passed by the Senate last week is an “incredible compromise” which contains key provisions that will allow her chamber to move forward.
Rep. Jeanne Kapela, a Democratic Representative, spoke about the next steps in SB 669’s passage at a virtual town hall hosted by the Marijuana Policy Project.
Kapela was the sponsor of a separate legalization bill which did not move in the House by the deadline. This is especially true because the legislation was modified to include social equity and expungements language, which were central to her proposal.
She said, “It shows us that we can all collaborate to come up with something that really meets my needs, but also protects small cannabis farmers and, hopefully, those who will be able to participate in a robust legalization program.”
Kapela encouraged supporters to send clear and concise messages to their state representatives expressing their desire for the bill to move.
This may be critical considering recent comments by Scott Saiki (D), House Speaker, who stated that instead of moving quickly on the bill, he plans to have the issue workshopped in the summer so that lawmakers can create a comprehensive reform proposal that addresses all outstanding questions “including the federal restrictions” and “the law enforcement concerns.”
Kapela stated that legislators have a responsibility for enacting systemic solutions that promote justice and social equity.
She stated that any bill about recreational cannabis use must be based on social equity. “Ending mass imprisonment and establishing the largest mass expungement program here in Hawaii are exactly the type of systemic solutions we should be pursuing. I think this bill does a great job at that.
She also indicated that she would be open to amending the bill in any way she could, saying that “there are always things we can do to improve things, and that’s part of the legislative procedure.”
The lawmaker stated that “at the end of the day we’re going to lose this this battle by throwing stones.” We’ll win this by working together to create an effective program that will uplift Hawaii and change the narrative surrounding cannabis use for future generations.
DeVaughn Ward of the MPPs, who hosted the town-hall on Monday, stated that advocates are at a “critical point in the legislative sessions, and it’s kinda do or die.”
The town hall was also attended by Nikos Leverenz of Drug Policy Forum on Hawaii Frank Steifel of Last Prisoner Project, Scott Greenwood of ACLU of Hawaii and Scott Greenwood.
Advocates discussed areas they wanted to see the bill changed or addressed by future legislation. These included expanding equity opportunities for native Hawaiians in the cannabis industry, strengthening expungements provisions and increasing the legalization of cannabis for adults. They also discussed how to protect consumers’ rights and add employment and tenant protections.
Greenwood stated that “this is the best chance we have in this State to secure a personal use legislation and decriminalization, and simultaneously to carry out large-scale criminal justice Reform all in one package.” Is the current version of the bill perfect? It’s not perfect, but it’s close to 90% of the way.”
These are the main components of as amended by
Adults aged 21 or older could purchase up to 30g of cannabis. They could also grow up to six plants for their own personal use, with only three mature. Adults can also give marijuana to one another.
The Department of Health would establish an independent Hawaii Cannabis Regulatory Authority to oversee the regulation of the industry and the existing medical marijuana program.
Initial launch would be through a pilot program in which existing dispensaries of medical cannabis would be eligible to apply for a dual license that would allow them to serve patients as well as adult customers.
The tax on marijuana products would be 10%, with the revenue going to state treasury. Businesses would be allowed to deduct expenses from the state income tax.
A substitute amendment was approved and a ban on vaping was lifted from the bill.
Much relief was received by activists who had criticised the absence of language that would allow for the expungement of certain marijuana convictions.
At the request of the state attorney General’s office, civil penalties were also introduced for illegal cannabis business activity. A request to include a track and trace requirement for marijuana products was also approved by lawmakers.
The bill as amended sets a limit on the number and size of marijuana businesses each entity can own to reduce the chance of creating a monopolized market. New limits have been placed on the size of cultivation facilities that are licensed.
Adults cannot consume marijuana in any state where tobacco use is banned. Condominiums might also be able to restrict cannabis smoking, just like they can with tobacco.
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Over several sessions, legislators have tried to legalize the Aloha State. However, the reform was passed in the Senate in 2021. However, after it failed to pass a House committee by the key deadline, it was stalled.
Former Democratic governor Dave Ige was a difficult advocate. He said that he wasn’t willing to allow legalization because it would conflict with federal law. This is despite Hawaii’s medical marijuana system allowing people to grow and sale cannabis, in violation of broad federal prohibition.
Now that Gov. Actors are now feeling empowered by the swearing-in of Josh Green (D). In November, he said he would sign a bill to legalize marijuana for adults. He already has ideas on how tax revenue from cannabis sales could be used.
The Senate and House of Hawaii also approved a number of psychedelics legislation last week. They were primarily focused on research that would allow the state to regulate access.
Kentucky Senate Committee Approves Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill
Photo by WeedPornDaily.
The post Hawaii House Lawmaker Discusses Next Steps for Senate-Passed Marijuana Legalization Bill originally appeared on Marijuana Moment.
