HI HB170

Requires the Department of Public Safety to reassess marijuana's classification as a Schedule I drug under Hawaii's Uniform Controlled Substances Act (chapter 329, HRS).

Department must analyze the statutory scheduling criteria and address the contradiction between marijuana's Schedule I classification and its current allowable medical use by qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions.

Assessment must include detailed analysis of scheduling criteria, discussion of contradictions in current law, and a detailed explanation of conclusions and recommendations regarding marijuana's proper classification.

Department must submit a written report of its findings to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2018 regular legislative session.

Bill references the medical marijuana program authorized in Hawaii since 2000 and cites Oregon's reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule II drug as context for the reassessment.