Bill > HR141

This resolution urges the Department of Health, Department of the Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to collaborate on an enforcement strategy addressing the proliferation of illegal cannabis dispensaries that are selling products labeled as hemp. The resolution highlights that hemp and cannabis are derived from the same plant species, with the key difference being their THC content (hemp contains 0.3% THC or less), and notes that there are currently over 84 illegal dispensaries operating, which are selling cannabis products without age restrictions, medical cannabis cards, or proper safety testing. The resolution emphasizes that these illegal dispensaries pose significant public health and safety risks by offering unregulated products that may be contaminated with pesticides, solvents, or synthetic cannabinoids, and it calls on the Department of Health to use its existing powers to halt the spread of these illegal cannabis operations. Furthermore, the resolution points out that unlike some other states that have implemented strict regulations or bans on THC products, Hawaii currently lacks a comprehensive enforcement mechanism for illicit cannabis sales. The document urges the relevant state departments to identify enforcement gaps and develop a coordinated plan to address this growing "public health and safety epidemic."

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=141&year=2025