Hawai’i Senate lets cannabis policy advocates down — again

We are extremely disappointed that the Hawai'i Senate has both failed to schedule committee hearings on legalization by the deadline and it narrowly voted down a decriminalization expansion bill (S.B. 319).

S.B. 319 would have increased the amount of cannabis that is subject to a $130 civil fine from a paltry three grams to 15 grams. Any amount over the threshold carries a criminal record and possible jail time. Three grams is the lowest threshold of all legalization and decriminalization states. Senators voted against the bill 11-12, with two excused.

Just last year, the Hawai'i Senate approved a legalization bill 19-6, and a decriminalization expansion bill that was nearly identical to S.B. 319 (the March 5, 2024, 21-1 vote). Then, the Senate subsequently defeated the bill after the House improved it.

The House has proven equally disappointing this year, by referring legalization back to its first two committees and preventing a floor vote.

Polling shows 58% of Hawai'i voters support legalization, but lawmakers need to hear their constituents care about this issue. Prohibitionists have been mobilized this year, in some cases outnumbering supporters at hearings.

If you live in Hawai'i, let your lawmakers know voters expect them to get legalization done next year.

While we're disheartened, we know cannabis policy reform often involves setbacks on the road to justice. We're not giving up until adults are no longer punished for choosing to use cannabis. And we hope you'll be by our side.