Hawaii House Bill HR141

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health, Department Of The Attorney General, And Department Of Law Enforcement To Coordinate An Enforcement Plan To Address The Lack Of Enforceable Compliance, Rules, And Regulations Regarding The Surge Of Illegal Dispensary Operators That Sell Cannabis Labeled As Hemp.

Impact

If enacted, HR141 would effectively call for a re-evaluation and enhancement of enforcement mechanisms in place to regulate the cannabis industry in Hawaii. Currently, there are no specific statutes governing the regulatory efforts against illegal cannabis dispensaries, leading to a fragmented enforcement landscape among different agencies. The bill emphasizes the need for cohesive action among key departments that oversee agriculture, health, and law enforcement to tackle the public health epidemic caused by these illegal operations.

Summary

House Resolution 141 (HR141) urges the Hawaii Department of Health, Department of the Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to coordinate an enforcement plan to combat the growing problem of illegal dispensary operators selling cannabis labeled as hemp. The resolution highlights the critical differences between hemp and cannabis, particularly focusing on their respective levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can lead to confusion and non-compliance among consumers and retailers alike. As illegal dispensaries proliferate, operating without adequate compliance or oversight, public health risks are increasing, with many operators offering products potentially contaminated with harmful substances.

Contention

There is likely to be contention surrounding HR141 regarding regulatory overreach and the balance between enabling businesses and protecting public health. Some stakeholders may oppose stringent regulations that could impede lawful dispensaries, while others advocate for more rigorous enforcement to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products. Additionally, the varying state-level responses to cannabis and hemp regulation raise questions about the harmonization of local regulations with federal and state laws, indicating that debates on these levels will be crucial as HR141 proceeds through the legislative process.