Thanks to Senators Joy San Buenaventura and Jarett Keohokalole, the Legalization of Adult-Use Cannabis in Hawaii still has a chance to pass this legislative session; but it will require your help!
The joint hearing is scheduled to hear SB1613 this Thursday at 9am which means we must submit testimony by Wednesday at 9AM.
Here’s what you can do:
- Go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/
- Search for SB1613
- Submit Testimony in Support of the Bill
- Let lawmakers know why you support the bill.
Here are some points to consider for your testimony:
- The majority of Hawai‘i residents support the legalization for adult-use. Recent polls show from 58-86% of residents believe that adults should have the right to choose if cannabis is right for them.
- Most Hawai‘i tourists are visiting from places where it is legal and expect it to be here as well.
- States that have legalized cannabis have seen decreased use amongst teens, decreased opioid use and overdose, reduced binge drinking, and decrease in prescription fills of anxiety medication.
- Prohibition does not work. Currently, Hawaii is flooded with untested/unlabeled cannabis from all over the continent. Right now, Hawaii residents can order federally legal, intoxicating hemp products with colorful cartoon packaging and artificial additives online or from local kiosks and have it delivered to their door with zero tax revenue being collected.
- Last year, over 20% of all drug arrests were cannabis-related. One third of those arrests were on Native Hawaiians. Legalization will free up police to focus on more serious crimes and expunge life-ruining sentences.
- We believe all adults should have the right to choose. If they can purchase alcohol, a substance proven to be far more dangerous than cannabis, why shouldn’t they be able to purchase and responsibly consume cannabis.
- We believe Hawaii residents should not have to choose between firearms or cannabis. Currently, 329 cardholders are not allowed to apply for a firearms license.
- Legalizing now will nourish a regional industry when cannabis inevitably becomes legal federally; setting up local farmers and businesses for success and creating a healthy workforce to keep and bring Hawaii’s young and talented workforce here in Hawai‘i.
- Tax revenue in the tens of millions each year could go to fund educational programs and community resources.
Learn more about the Positive Impacts of Cannabis Legalization.
