Bill > SB1527

This bill requires the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of Hawaii's Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive cannabis prevention campaign targeting youth, based on extensive research highlighting the significant health risks of cannabis use for adolescents. The campaign will involve creating informational media and entering into contracts with community-based organizations to provide evidence-based prevention services and grants aimed at reducing substance misuse among young people. The bill acknowledges the potential long-term neurological and psychological harm of cannabis use in youth, including risks of cognitive impairment, increased psychosis diagnoses, potential intelligence quotient reduction, and higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders. The division must submit a detailed report to the legislature before the 2027 regular session, documenting fund expenditure, service providers, number of persons engaged, specific services provided, measurable outcomes, and potential legislative recommendations. The bill appropriates an unspecified sum from state general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support these prevention efforts, with the funds to be administered by the Department of Health, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1527&year=2026