News » Marijuana Reforms Progress In Hawaii

Hawaii recently advanced several pieces of legislation that move the state towards a more progressive stance on cannabis.

While medical marijuana is technically legal on the islands it is currently a “grow your own” state meaning that patients must grow their own supply and no dispensaries are currently in operation. Passed last week, SB1458 would allow the state to approve production and distribution of medical cannabis and related products opening the door for dispensaries to provide medicine to patients soon. SB58 would increase the amount of marijuana licensed patients may possess.

Decriminalization efforts were unanimously supported in the Senate when legislators approved SB1460. This bill would make adult possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a civil infraction with a penalty of not more than a $100 fine. The current law treats simple possession as a criminal misdemeanor offense and is punishable by of a maximum 30 day jail sentence and and fine of $1000.

All three bills, SB1458, SB58 and SB1460, must now go before the House before they are made into law.

Tags: decriminalization, medical, MMJ, SB1458, SB1460, SB58