Hawaii Senate Approves Recreational Marijuana Legalization Bill

Recently, the Hawaii State Senate passed a bill to legalize and establish a regulated, taxed market for adult-use cannabis. The legislation now moves to the State House of Representatives, where lawmakers will review it again and may introduce new amendments.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• If the bill is approved in the next stage, adults will be allowed to possess up to one ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana or up to 5 grams of concentrates.
• Home cultivation of up to 6 plants will be permitted, and individuals will be able to store up to 2 pounds (900 grams) of their own cannabis at home.
• The bill also calls for the creation of a new state agency to regulate hemp, medical cannabis, and adult-use cannabis. This agency will be responsible for licensing businesses and overseeing the industry.
• Additionally, all records of past arrests and incarcerations for marijuana offenses will be expunged.

Hawaii continues to move toward progressive drug policy, especially considering that the state has also allowed the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.