Recreational Pot Bills Moving

from Hawaii Family Forum, Feb 23, 2024

We are still awaiting a hearing for the big bill that would legalize recreational marijuana.  If you want to get a start on the Senate committee members who will be hearing the bill next, you can click the link below.  Once SB3335 SD1 is scheduled for hearing, we will send a notice so you can raise your voice. 

If enacted, SB3335 SD1 would establish the Hawaii Cannabis Authority and Cannabis Control Board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant. Establishes the Cannabis Control Implementation Advisory Committee. Beginning January 1, 2026, legalizes the personal adult use of cannabis. Establishes taxes for adult-use cannabis and medical cannabis sales. Transfers the personnel and assets of the Department of Health and assets of the Department of Agriculture to the Hawaii Cannabis Authority. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes appropriations. 
Action on SB3335 SD1

Decriminalization Bills

The legislature is also proposing to "decriminalize" marijuana. Keep in mind that Hawaii already has decriminalized marijuana.  Proposed bills would increase the amount of marijuana allowed from one ounce to two ounces concerning (712-1248 HRS) and from three grams to one ounce concerning (§712-1249).  The violation amount would be determined.  The current penalty is $130.  

Estimates differ as to how many joints, exactly, you can get out of two ounces. The Recovery Center claims just one ounce will yield "84 cigarette-sized joints," while Colorado Cannabis Tours says an ounce will get you “close to one hundred joints”.  

Either way, THAT IS A LOT OF POT!

AUDIO: CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE REASONS WHY THEY OPPOSE

Upcoming Legislative Events & Deadlines

FEB 29 SINGLE REFERRAL FILING (SENATE BILLS) – Deadline to file Senate committee reports on single referral Senate Bills.

MAR 1 FIRST DECKING (BILLS) – Deadline for bills to emerge from all their committees (with committee reports filed) and be submitted to the clerk of the originating chamber. This “decking” ensures a mandatory 48 hour opportunity for final review by the chamber’s members before they are asked to vote on the third reading. Note: A bill must pass three readings (votes) in each chamber before being enrolled to the governor.

MAR 7 FIRST CROSSOVER (BILLS) – Deadline for bills to pass third reading in order to move (or “crossover”) to the other chamber. If successful, House bills are sent to the Senate and Senate bills are sent to the House for further consideration.

MAR 8 LAST DAY TO INTRODUCE SUBSTANTIVE RESOLUTIONS – Resolutions are legislative measures which may request action of a government entity or state the legislature’s position on an issue. They don’t have the force and effect of law, require only one reading in chamber, and don't enroll to the Governor

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