The Hawaii Senate has voted to approve a cannabis legalization bill sponsored by Senator Joy San Buenaventura (D) that would allow for recreational use of the plant in the state. The bill passed with a 22-3 vote on Tuesday. If passed, Hawaii would become the 22nd state in the US to legalize cannabis for recreational use.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 669, would create the Hawaii Cannabis Authority, whose job would be to regulate the sale of marijuana in the state. It would have until December 1, 2024 to implement the new regulations. The bill also includes provisions for the taxation and sale of cannabis products, as well as the establishment of a licensing system for sellers.
The bill would also provide for the establishment of a medical marijuana program, allowing patients with certain medical conditions to obtain cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. The bill would also allow for the possession and use of marijuana for adults over 21 years of age.
The bill still has to survive a House vote before it can become law. Senator Green (D), who supports marijuana legalization, has voiced his support for the bill. Several other states are currently exploring the possibility of decriminalizing psychedelics and investigating their efficacy and safety.
In addition to the Senate’s approval of the bill, the House of Representatives also voted in favor of legislation that would legalize marijuana in the state. The bill, known as SB 375, would establish a system of taxation and regulation for the sale of cannabis products. It would also allow for the growth and cultivation of marijuana by licensed farmers.
The legalization of marijuana in Hawaii would be a major milestone for the state and could have far-reaching implications for the medical marijuana industry. It would allow for the safe, legal distribution of cannabis products to those who need them, and could provide an economic boost to the state’s economy.
However, the bill has still to pass the House before it can become law. In the meantime, advocates of marijuana legalization are urging the House to approve the bill and make it official. If the bill does pass, it would be a major victory for those who have long been fighting for the legalization of marijuana in Hawaii.
