Hawaii Proposes Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
The Attorney General of Hawaii, Anne Lopez, has introduced a plan to legalize recreational marijuana, which has already gained support from state lawmakers.
Support for Black Market Growers Through Government Grants
Historically, Hawaii’s Attorney General’s office has opposed lifting the ban on cannabis and has blocked drug policy reform for many years. However, Lopez, who took office in December 2022, is a proponent of legalization. In April, she announced that her office would no longer try to prevent the legalization of cannabis and would instead help legislators develop the necessary regulations.
Nearly six months later, Lopez published a 294-page document outlining the legalization of marijuana. Her proposal includes allowing the sale of cannabis and imposing a 14.25% tax on cannabis retailers. She also suggested launching educational programs to keep youth away from cannabis and strengthening law enforcement units that combat the illegal cannabis trade.
According to Lopez’s plan, after legalization, all participants in the black market will need to either cease their activities or obtain licenses through a social equity program, which will offer grants to help launch legal businesses. Those who continue to illegally grow and sell marijuana will face a new special law enforcement unit created to ensure compliance with regulations.
Marijuana Expected to Be Legalized in 2024
Licenses to sell recreational cannabis will first be issued to stores that already sell medical marijuana. Lopez believes these businesses deserve priority because they have already met the legal requirements for selling cannabinoid-based medicines. After recreational marijuana is legalized, the sales tax on medical cannabis will be just 4.25%, ensuring that the cost of cannabinoid medications does not increase.
With the Attorney General’s support, the chances of successful drug policy reform in Hawaii have improved. If everything goes according to plan, the ban on cannabis in Hawaii will be lifted in 2024. However, marijuana sales in stores are not expected to begin before 2025, as Lopez wants to launch legal cannabis sales 18 months after the legalization order takes effect. She hopes that during this time, authorities will be able to transition illegal growers and sellers to the legal market.