HI HCR138

Requests U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which currently classifies it as a Schedule I substance alongside substances like heroin.

Urges federal support for states clearing cannabis offense records, noting that over 2,500,000 records have been expunged or sealed nationwide since 2018.

Calls for legislation enabling cannabis-related businesses to access full banking services, including deposit insurance, which are currently restricted under federal law.

Cites Hawaii data showing 6,934 adults and 3,732 juveniles were arrested for cannabis possession between 2011 and 2019, with arrests continuing even after state decriminalization in 2019.

Notes a state-commissioned study projecting Hawaii's adult-use cannabis sector would exceed $1 billion in gross sales by its fifth year of operation.