Hawaii Cannabis Bill fails, ending legalization hopes for 2023

After a failed legislative proposal in the state House of Representatives, Hawaii will have to wait at most one year before legalizing marijuana. The bill would legalize adult-use cannabis as well as establish the regulatory framework for a recreational cannabis market. The Hawaii state Senate passed the bill earlier this month. According to MJBizDaily the bill was not scheduled for a hearing in the state House before a crucial legislative deadline. This means that it is likely that the proposal will be dead by 2023. This is a familiar outcome for Hawaii marijuana advocates, where Democrats control both the legislature’s chambers. It is a familiar outcome for marijuana advocates in Hawaii, where Democrats control both chambers of the legislature. Josh Green, the state governor, is also a Democrat. MJBizDaily reported in February that the House’s senior leadership also “killed off three other legalization proposals in February.” The outlet Civil Beat said that Scott Saiki also “said that he thought that it was best for the state to delay on legalizing recreational marijuana use” and that he would prefer to see a working committees adds to the bill. Language was added to create civil penalties for unlicensed cannabis distribution and growth activities; Employers who want to prohibit cannabis use by their employees are protected by the addition of language. Prohibition on advertising within 1,000 feet of youth-centered areas; Proposed licensing for cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail facilities to ensure a properly regulated cannabis industry and prevent future consolidation and monopoly of cannabis dispensaries. Here’s what I would do. First, legalizing marijuana should be closely monitored and used only like cigarettes. I have been very careful in regulating tobacco over the years. We should use the $30 to $40 millions of taxes that we would receive from that and invest it in the development and recreation our mental healthcare system for all.” Governor Green supports legalizing adult cannabis use, provided that any legislation that emerges protects consumers and ensures product safety through testing and tracking. The Governor also wants to ensure that the medical cannabis industry continues to thrive. These are complex issues and he encouraged his departments to voice their concerns and make suggestions if possible. He will sign any bill that addresses his primary concerns if it passes the legislature,” the adviser said at that time. There is also public support for legalization, which can be combined with political support. A poll conducted earlier this year showed that 52% of Hawaiians support legalizing adult-use marijuana. Only 31% oppose it.