Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Study On The Relationship Between The Current Prices Of And Access To Medical Cannabis And The Volume Of Illicit Cannabis Sales In The State.
The study called for by SR214 could have substantial implications for state laws surrounding medical cannabis. If the Auditor can establish a clear link between high prices at dispensaries and the prevalence of illicit sales, it may lead to legislative changes aimed at adjusting pricing regulation or expanding the number of dispensaries allowed to operate statewide. Currently, the limited number of dispensaries—only eight licenses that allow for a mere 16 outlets—serves as a barrier to access and legal participation in the market for many patients.
Senate Resolution 214 (SR214) requests the Auditor of the State of Hawaii to conduct a study examining the relationship between the current prices of medical cannabis, the accessibility of licensed dispensaries, and the volume of illicit cannabis sales. Since the implementation of Act 241 in 2015, which sought to create a statewide medical cannabis dispensary system, the market share of licensed dispensaries has remained low, with only about 31% of registered patients using legal sources for their medical cannabis. This resolution seeks to analyze the factors contributing to a significant portion of patients resorting to illicit sources for their cannabis needs.
Some potential points of contention surrounding SR214 might stem from differing opinions on how to regulate cannabis pricing and availability. Advocates for patient rights and access to safe medication may push for faster implementation of recommendations that improve patient access, while critics may argue about the effectiveness of a legal market or push against any perceived regulatory overreach that could arise from adjusting laws based on the findings of the study. Overall, the bill reflects broader trends in cannabis normalization and regulation, wherein economic factors significantly affect public health objectives.