Bill Legalizing Marijuana Moves Closer To Passage In Hawaii State Legislature

HONOLULU, HI – The push to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii has cleared another hurdle in the state legislature, according to a report from Marijuana Moment.

On Tuesday, a legalization bill was approved by the House Committee for Commerce and Consumer Protection after the state Senate passed its own version earlier this month.  The measures were introduced in the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives based on a proposal by state Attorney General Anne Lopez.  Gov. Josh Green has indicated he would be likely to sign a bill legalizing cannabis if it reaches his desk.

Some of the key provisions of the bill are as follows:

-Adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess up to an ounce of cannabis and up to five grams of concentrates.

-Adults would be permitted to cultivate cannabis at home, by growing up to six plants and keeping as much as 10 ounces of resulting marijuana.

-The Hawaii Cannabis Authority would be created to license and regulate adult-use cannabis businesses, and would be overseen by a five-member appointed Cannabis Control Board.

-Cultivators, processors, medical dispensaries, adult-use retailers, craft dispensaries and independent testing laboratories would be licensed.

-Adult-use cannabis products would be taxed at 14 percent, while medical cannabis would be subject to a four percent tax.

-Tax revenue from marijuana sales would be equally divided between a law enforcement-focused fund and another that would promote “cannabis social equity, public health and education, and public safety.”

-People with convictions for activities made legal under the bill would be able to petition to have their records expunged.

-There would be new criminal penalties for people under 21 in possession of marijuana, who could face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for possession of up to three grams.

“I think that this bill is taking the best practices across the nation amongst other 24 states that have already passed a legalization bill to try to do something to address the issues that we currently face,” said Rep. Cedric Gates (D), “whether it’s people selling CBD products or hemp-derived products in our communities with no regulation or going after individuals or entities selling to our youth.”

The bill now goes to the House Finance Committee.  If passed and signed, it would take effect on January 1, 2026.

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