Bill > HCR147

This concurrent resolution urges the Department of Health, Department of the Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to collaborate on developing an enforcement strategy to address the proliferation of illegal cannabis dispensaries that are marketing their products as hemp. The resolution highlights that hemp and cannabis are derived from the same plant species but differ in their THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, with hemp containing 0.3 percent THC or less, while cannabis contains higher levels that produce psychoactive effects. The document notes that as of the time of writing, over 84 illegal dispensaries have emerged, selling cannabis products labeled as hemp, often located near sensitive areas like schools and airports, and offering unregulated access without age restrictions or medical cannabis cards. The resolution emphasizes that these dispensaries potentially sell products contaminated with harmful substances and represent a public health and safety concern. It calls on the Department of Health to use its existing regulatory powers to halt the spread of these illegal operations, acknowledging the current lack of specific statutes for enforcement. The resolution also recommends identifying enforcement gaps between various government agencies and seeks to transmit copies of the resolution to key government officials to prompt action against these illegal dispensary operators.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=147&year=2025