Governor vetoes medical marijuana study bill, Hawaii County to have marijuana question on November ballot
Last update: August 25, 2008
Although at least half a dozen bills that would have improved marijuana policy in Hawaii were introduced this session, only one made it to the governor's desk.
In July, Gov. Linda Lingle (R) vetoed HB 2675, which would have established a temporary task force comprised of state officials, physicians, and patients to examine critical issues affecting Hawaii's medical marijuana program. Although the Senate voted overwhelmingly (21-1) to override Gov. Lingle's veto, the House failed to follow suit, which means that questions regarding adequate supply, growing facilities, and the inter-island transport of medical marijuana will remain unanswered for at least another year.
Gov. Lingle's veto was surprising given her 2002 campaign pledge to uphold Hawaii's medical marijuana law. In her official veto statement, Gov. Lingle claimed that, since the federal government doesn't recognize the medical value of marijuana, the studies proposed by HB 2675 would be improper.
Interestingly, the federal government grows medical marijuana at the University of Mississippi, distributes it monthly to four patients throughout the U.S., and has done this for 30 years.
Ask Gov. Lingle to do better next time
To let Gov. Lingle know that you are disappointed with her decision to veto this much-needed legislation, send her an e-mail or call her office at (808) 586-0034 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Reach out to your state legislators
It is just as important that legislators hear from their constituents when the legislature is out of session as when it is in session. Please take a few moments to send your state representative and senator a short e-mail urging them to do more to improve Hawaii's medical marijuana program next session. Please send any feedback you receive to Nathan@mpp.org.
Lowest law enforcement priority to be on Hawaii County's November ballot
The Hawaii County Council recently voted 5-4 to put a petition on November's ballot that, if voters approve, will make the cultivation and possession for adult personal use of marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority for law enforcement agencies in the county of Hawaii. Click here to red more about this initiative.
Are you a community leader who supports marijuana policy reform?
If you are an attorney, educator, or member of the law enforcement community who believes that our current marijuana laws need reforming, please send an e-mail to Nathan@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
Stay connected
For more information about the status of marijuana policy reform in Hawaii, please contact MPP legislative analyst Nathan Miller at (202) 905-2026, or at Nathan@mpp.org.
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project and all of our allies. To stay updated on the status of marijuana policy reform in Hawaii, be sure to subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service.
