The proposed changes are technical in nature, and the legislation does not intend to introduce substantive changes to existing laws. It is explicitly stated that the bill does not alter the legal definition of hemp or affect the rights and obligations that were established prior to the enactment of this measure. The embrace of 'cannabis' over 'marijuana' aligns with a more modern understanding and acceptance of the plant in both scientific and medical contexts.
SB807 aims to amend multiple provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by replacing the word 'marijuana' and its related terms with 'cannabis' and its related terms. The legislation is rooted in a historical context that exposes the term 'marijuana' as a slang word of Mexican-Hispanic origin, which has carried discriminatory implications since its rise in popularity around the 1920s and 1930s. As such, the bill seeks to rectify this cultural stigma by opting for a scientifically accepted nomenclature, emphasizing a need for precision in legal language.
While the bill primarily focuses on language and terminology, it may face scrutiny from different stakeholders concerned about implications for the broader cannabis policy in the state. The bill’s supporters may argue that this change helps to dismantle outdated and prejudiced perceptions surrounding cannabis use, while opponents might interrogate any underlying connotations or future legislative intentions related to cannabis regulation and reform.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, and marks an important step in aligning Hawaii’s legal framework with contemporary issues surrounding cannabis use and public perception, thereby promoting an inclusive approach to cannabis-related legislations.