H.R. 29 Summary

• Requests the Public Policy Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to convene a Medical Marijuana Dispensary System Task Force to develop recommendations for establishing a regulated statewide dispensary system for medical marijuana.

• Task Force composition includes 19 members representing state agencies (Attorney General, Health, Public Safety, Taxation, Commerce and Consumer Affairs), legislature, law enforcement, medical professionals, patients, caregivers, and advocacy organizations including the ACLU and Hawaii Medical Association.

• Task Force directed to address number and location of dispensaries, tax structure design, safety standards, cultivation and manufacturing framework, security regulations, advertising restrictions, and federal compliance issues.

• Requires Legislative Reference Bureau to submit an updated report by September 1, 2014 on policies and procedures for medical marijuana access, distribution, and security across all states with medical cannabis programs.

• Task Force must hold at least one public hearing and submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2015 Regular Session convenes.