HI SR139

Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii is requested to prepare a comprehensive report by November 1, 2022 on social equity programs in cannabis legalization across U.S. states and local governments, formatted as a Legislative Reference Bureau report with options in a criteria matrix.

Report should examine exclusive licensing, technical assistance, capital investment in businesses owned by social equity-qualified individuals, producer/consumer cooperative models, automatic criminal record expungement for cannabis-related crimes, and Sustainable Business Corporation requirements with public benefit goals.

Department of Health's Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation is requested to prepare a comprehensive report by November 1, 2022 on how to allow existing legal growers and hemp licensees, including Native Hawaiians and those on Hawaiian Home Lands, to test and sell cannabis and hemp directly to patients or licensed dispensaries.

Resolution acknowledges that current Hawaii medical cannabis dispensary program lacks social equity framework and that the war on drugs has disproportionately harmed Native Hawaiians, immigrant, and low-income communities.

Certified copies to be transmitted to the Governor, Attorney General, Director of Health, Deputy Director of Health Resources Administration, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and President of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii.