Cannabis Legalization Bill Approved by Two Hawaii House Committees

A cannabis legalization bill in Hawaii on Tuesday was approved by two House committees, Honolulu Civil Beat reports. The chamber’s Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee and House Agriculture and Food Systems Committee advanced HB.1246 which would create a retail cannabis market in the state and a new state agency within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate the industry. 

The proposal is backed by the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which said in written testimony that the new agency – the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office – would ensure “a centralized and well-structured regulatory framework, providing clear oversight on cultivation, sales, taxation, and consumer safety.”  

“The bill also takes critical steps to ensure public safety, including new traffic offenses relating to cannabis consumption and possession. Establishing clear guidelines on responsible use, similar to alcohol regulations, will help mitigate risks associated with impaired driving and underage consumption.” — Democratic Party of Hawaii in written testimony via Honolulu Civil Beat 

If approved the reforms would take effect on January 1, 2026; however, Andrew Goff, deputy state attorney general, testified that state agencies would prefer an 18-month lead time to roll out the new program. 

The bill moves next to the House Finance Committee and would also need to be heard and approved by the chamber’s Consumer Protection and Commerce Committees.