Bill > HR147

This Resolution formally requests that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a federal agency responsible for enforcing drug laws, help the Hawaii Department of Health obtain a federal exemption for the state's authorized use of cannabis. This action stems from the ongoing conflict between state and federal regulations regarding cannabis, which has negatively impacted Hawaii's registered medical cannabis patients and licensed dispensaries. Despite a previous legislative request (House Concurrent Resolution 132) for the Department of Health to file for this exemption, the department has hesitated due to concerns about potential negative consequences for the state's medical cannabis program. The resolution highlights that states generally have the authority to regulate cannabis internally and points to the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, a federal appropriations rider, which prevents the Department of Justice and the DEA from using funds to interfere with state-sanctioned medical cannabis programs. The resolution specifically asks the DEA to assist Hawaii in obtaining this exemption under federal regulations 21 CFR 1307.03 and 21 CFR 1308.43, and mandates that certified copies be sent to various federal and state officials, including the DEA Administrator, U.S. Attorney General, Hawaii's Governor, and Director of Health.