Here is an update on today’s votes in the Hawaii state Senate…

All five cannabis bills passed, with overwhelming support!

SB 1460 – decriminalization of one ounce of marijuana: 24-0-1 (Shimabukuro was excused). It now moves over to the house. SB 58 – increases plants, dried ounces, patient-caregiver ratio, clarifies transportation language. The bill was waived by the Senate Judiciary Chair, Clayton Hee, which allowed it to move on for a floor vote, and it passed third reading 24-0-1 (Shimabukuro was excused). It now moves to the house. SB 175 – moves medical marijuana program from Public Safety to Health: 24-1 (Kouchi voted “no”) SB 1458 – licenses medical marijuana compassion centers, producers and infused products makers. Passed third reading, 24-1 (Slom voted “no”). Moves to house. SB 113 – creates a 3-year Cannabis research program. Passed third reading with 23 ayes, 23-2 (Slom and Kouchi voted “no”). Moves to house.

Five for five. Can’t do any better than that! Last year the Senate passed three cannabis bills, also by wide margins, so while today is not a complete surprise, it is certainly great news!

(Actually, I see that HB 1085, which would increase the fee, passed the House, with zero “no” votes and moves to the Senate.)

The House will again be the challenge this year. Bills that get referred to three committees will have a tougher time than bills with two referrals. The head of one important committee, Public Safety & Military Affairs , Henry Aquino, is conservative, and has the power to shut things down by not scheduling hearings (as happened last year with Judiciary chair Karamatsu). A source in Oahu says that they are hopeful hearings will happen.

So, it would certainly be a good idea to start thinking about testimony again…we will be faced with the same short time frame, and we will need everyone to add their voice and opinion to the mix.