Bill > HCR147

This Concurrent Resolution 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 is intended to address the conflict between state and federal regulations that negatively impacts Hawaii's medical cannabis patients and licensed dispensaries. The resolution specifically asks the DEA to assist Hawaii in securing this exemption under federal regulations 21 CFR 1307.03 and 21 CFR 1308.43, which outline procedures for exemptions and scheduling of controlled substances. The resolution also notes that a federal law, the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, generally prevents the Department of Justice and DEA from using funds to interfere with state medical cannabis programs, providing some context for why such an exemption might be sought.