Legalization effort for recreational cannabis moves further at state capitol than ever before
In a 3 to 7 vote, Senate Bill 3335 moves on with amendments, including an agreement to let cannabis sellers form labor unions. The House Committee for Commerce & Consumer Protection has passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis, although it faces several more hurdles. The bill, Senate Bill 3335, is being amended with amendments including allowing cannabis sellers to form labor unions. Critics argue that public health, as well as financial implications, the bill would exacerbate ongoing budget issues. A state-sponsored working group found that legalizing marijuana would generate $34-$53 million in tax revenue annually, but the state would have to set up the framework for dispensaries and enforcement. However, when the bill passed its second reading last week, 22 of the 51 members voted no.
Published : a month ago by Jolanie Martinez in Politics Health
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The House Committee for Commerce & Consumer Protection passed the bill legalizing recreational cannabis, but it still faces several more hurdles, and some don’t think it will make it.
In a 3 to 7 vote, Senate Bill 3335 moves on with amendments, including an agreement to let cannabis sellers form labor unions.
“I feel like everyone should have access to clean tested cannabis and not have to be subject to the illicit market,” said Walter Nakashima of the Big Island.
“We need more hope, not dope,” said Pastor Allen of Nanaikapono Protestant Church. “Let’s fix the problems that we have now before we do anything else.”
“It’s disappointing when people don’t listen to data or facts,” Drew Daniels of the Big Island said. “I’m glad that the representatives are taking that into consideration and taking into consideration the thoughts of the constituents that are in support.”
As recreational marijuana bill advances, opponents seek to ensure their voices are heard
Among the critics is former governor Linda Lingle, who testified for the first time since she left office 14 years ago.
Besides public health, Lingle is worried about money.
“As you know, because of the Maui fires, we’re facing serious budget issues in the state government,” said Lingle. “And this is just going to make that situation worse.”
A state-sponsored working group found that legalizing marijuana would generate $34-$53 million in tax revenue annually, but the state would have to spend millions setting up the framework for dispensaries and enforcement.
“It’s a very complicated bill; there are a lot of new positions attached to it, and the money is just not there right now.”
In the end, it comes down to votes.
“There’s hope because it’s the furthest it’s ever gone,” said Nakashima. “And, you know, we’re gonna keep fighting, and you know, we can’t stop, and we won’t stop.”
But the odds may not be in their favor.
When the House passed the bill’s second reading last week, 22 of the 51 members voted no.
“And that’s a great indicator that the bill is going to die because at least 10 of those representatives in the finance committee already voted no,” said State Rep. Elijah Pierick, who represents Royal Kunia, Waipahu, and parts of Ewa Beach.
If passed in the finance committee, the bill goes back to the full House.
After that, it’ll have to be negotiated with the Senate.
Topics: Social Issues, Cannabis