Two bills that would legalize adult recreational use of marijuana cleared committee hurdles Thursday, with amendments.
Amendments to Senate Bill 375, which was heard Wednesday by a joint session of the committees on Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection, would require a newly formed Hawaii Cannabis Authority to adopt rules concerning licensing, dispensing and taxing recreational cannabis by Dec. 1, 2024.
Applications for dispensary licensees would begin by Jan. 31, 2025, and the issuance of licenses would begin no later than March 30, 2025.
The measure also would transfer all regulatory duties relating to medical marijuana dispensaries — such as licensing and testing — currently handled by the state Department of Health to the new cannabis authority.
In addition, the bill would establish that possession of 4 ounces or less of marijuana by adults would be legal, and that all convictions for an adult for possession of 4 ounces or less shall be expunged from criminal records.
The measure, introduced by Sen. Chris Lee, an Oahu Democrat, passed 2-1 in each committee.
In the Health and Human Services Committee, Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, a Puna Democrat and chairwoman, voted aye, as did Sen. Henry Aquino, an Oahu Democrat and the vice chairman. Sen. Brenton Awa, an Oahu Republican, voted no.
In the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, an Oahu Democrat and the chairman, voted aye, as did Awa. Sen. Tim Richards, a Waimea Democrat and the vice chairman, voted no.
“Enacting legislation to legalize adult-use marijuana in Hawaii would bring about not just a triumph for individual liberties and reform of the criminal justice system, but it would also create prospects for fresh sources of income and economic advancement in the state,” said San Buenaventura. “By adopting a conscientious and closely monitored cannabis sector, Hawaii has the potential to generate considerable tax revenue and employment opportunities while also providing support to local farmers and other small-scale enterprises.”
The bill will be forwarded to a joint session of the Judiciary and Ways and Means committees. No hearing has been set.
The other measure — SB 669 — was passed unanimously by the Judiciary Committee, with numerous amendments suggested by the state attorney general’s office and the departments of Health and Taxation.
“We’ll accept the DOH’s language that the personal use of cannabis is prohibited anywhere smoking is prohibited … in addition to being prohibited anywhere alcohol consumption is prohibited,” said Sen. Karl Rhoads, an Oahu Democrat and the committee chairman.
Rhoads also delayed the effective date of the bill to March 22, 2075, “to keep the thing going and see what happens.”
SB 669, which was introduced by San Buenaventura, will be forwarded to the Ways and Means Committee, which hasn’t scheduled a hearing.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.