S.B. 375 Summary

• Establishes the Hawaii Cannabis Authority within the Department of Health to regulate responsible adult-use cannabis in Hawaii, with a nine-member board appointed by various state officials and organizations.

• Legalizes possession of up to four ounces of cannabis and up to ten living cannabis plants for adults 21 years or older without a prescription, effective July 1, 2023.

• Requires the Hawaii Cannabis Authority to adopt rules by December 1, 2024, begin accepting license applications by January 31, 2025, and issue licenses by March 30, 2025.

• Transfers all powers and duties of the Department of Health under Chapter 329D (medical cannabis dispensary operations, licensing, testing, and administration) to the Hawaii Cannabis Authority.

• Requires automatic expungement of all records relating to arrests, criminal charges, or convictions for cannabis possession that is now lawful under this Act, with the Attorney General and courts completing the process by January 1, 2026.