Requesting The Drug Policy Forum Of Hawaii To Study How Social Equity Has Been Implemented In The Cannabis Industry Around The Nation And Ways Social Equity Could Be Implemented In The State Of Hawaii To Benefit Native Hawaiians And Other Victims Of The War On Drugs, And Directing The Department Of Health's Office Of Medical Cannabis Control And Regulation To Study How To Include The Existing Legal Growers And Hemp Licensees, Including Native Hawaiians And Those On Hawaiian Home Lands, To Be Eligible To Test And Sell Cannabis And Hemp Directly To Other Patients, And To Licensed Dispensaries.
Impact
The proposed resolution seeks to transform Hawaii's approach to cannabis regulation by ensuring that social equity considerations are incorporated within the existing framework. Specifically, it aims to facilitate pathways for Native Hawaiians and individuals affected by cannabis prohibition to participate meaningfully in the cannabis market. It suggests various measures, such as exclusive licensing and technical assistance, designed to empower communities historically marginalized by drug laws. This initiative would potentially reshape state laws around cannabis and hemp sales, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive regulatory environment.
Summary
Senate Resolution 139 (SR139), introduced in Hawaii's 31st Legislature, aims to address the social equity issues within the cannabis industry in the state. The resolution requests the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii to examine how social equity has been integrated in cannabis regulatory frameworks across various U.S. states. Emphasis is placed on developing a plan that would benefit Native Hawaiians and others affected by past drug policies, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. The resolution highlights the challenges posed by the existing medical cannabis program and calls for a comprehensive evaluation that considers the social equity implications of cannabis laws.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR139 is generally positive among advocates for social justice and those supporting the rights of communities affected by the war on drugs. Advocates view the bill as a significant step towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering economic opportunities within the cannabis industry for Native Hawaiians. Conversely, some critics may express concern about the implementation and effectiveness of such measures, particularly regarding the feasibility of ensuring real equity in practice. The discussions surrounding the bill indicate a growing recognition of social justice issues tied to cannabis legalization.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention in SR139 relates to the practical implementation of social equity initiatives in the cannabis sector. The resolution seeks to establish new avenues for legal growers and hemp licensees to sell cannabis directly, which could disrupt existing dispensary frameworks. There may be debates over the criteria for eligibility and how best to ensure that the benefits reach those intended, specifically Native Hawaiians and historically affected groups. Additionally, the call for automatic criminal record expungement for cannabis-related offenses might be scrutinized regarding its logistical feasibility and impact on the broader justice system.
Same As
Requesting The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, And Heads Of Principal Departments To Prominently Display A Hawaiian Translation Of The Name Of Their Office Or Department At Least Once On The Main Page Of Their Official Website And In The Letterhead Of Their Stationery.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.
Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.
Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.
Urging The Hawaiian Homes Commission To Consult Beneficiaries Of The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act Regarding Alternative Waitlist And Award Prioritization Based On Lineal And Generational Descendancy For Hawaiian Home Lands Located In Hana, Maui.
Urging The Hawaiian Homes Commission To Consult Beneficiaries Of The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act Regarding Alternative Waitlist And Award Prioritization Based On Lineal And Generational Descendancy For Hawaiian Home Lands Located In Hana, Maui.
Urging The Department Of Taxation, In Consultation With The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, To Conduct A Feasibility Study On Providing Tax Breaks To Individuals Who Sell Property To Native Hawaiians On The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Waitlist.
Urging The Department Of Taxation, In Consultation With The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, To Conduct A Feasibility Study On Providing Tax Breaks To Individuals Who Sell Property To Native Hawaiians On The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Waitlist.