Legislature overrides governor's veto of medical marijuana study bill!
Last update: July 16, 2009
2009 legislative session
Although the state legislature passed another medical marijuana study bill by overwhelming margins again this year, Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed it — despite patients and advocates pleading with her to allow it to become law. This year was different, however, as the legislature responded favorably to their constituents and overrode the governor's veto on July 15.
The task force will: (1) Examine current state statutes, state administrative rules, and all county policies and procedures relating to the medical marijuana program; (2) Examine all issues and obstacles that qualifying patients have encountered with the medical marijuana program; (3) Examine all issue and obstacles that state and county law enforcement agencies have encountered with the medical marijuana program; (4) Compare and contrast Hawaii's medical marijuana program with all other state medical marijuana programs; and (5) Address other issues and perform any other function necessary as the task force deems appropriate, relating to the medical marijuana program.
Hawaii County initiative
Last November, Hawaii County voters overwhelmingly approved Question 1, which makes the cultivation and possession of marijuana intended for adult personal use the Big Island's lowest law enforcement priority. Voters approved the initiative by a 58% to 42% margin.
The new ordinance directs local law enforcement to make the investigation, enforcement, and prosecution of certain adult marijuana offenses involving fewer than 24 plants or less than 24 ounces their lowest priority. It remains illegal to sell marijuana on the criminal market, cultivate marijuana on public property, drive while under the influence of marijuana, or be in possession of more than 24 plants or 24 ounces. Question 1 was spearheaded by Project Peaceful Sky.
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 state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
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