Hawaii senators approve cannabis legalization bill despite internal opposition to governor's pro-reform stance

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Two Hawaii Senate committees vote has advance A Invoice legalize marijuana. THE decision emerged Since A joint session detained on Tuesday, in the middle of A landscape of different opinions And After audience A range of public testimonials, including those Since State entities that opposite THE Invoice, contrasting clearly with Governor Josh Green vegetables, pro-reform position.

THE Senate Health And Human Services Committee And THE Judicial Committee both vote has pass THE Invoice, introduced last month In both bedrooms via Hawaii Lawyer General Anne Lopez invoice.

While AG that of Lopez (D) plan served as A frame, even agencies In her administration raised concerns, highlighting THE invoices complexity.

Defenders acclaimed THE progress, exhorting further amendments has to loosen too punitive measures. State the agencies, However, warned of potential threats has public security And propose their own changes. The legislators listen, incorporation a few revisions during THE audience, according to has Marijuana Moment, which First of all reported THE news.

THE Lawyer General desk, despite shape THE Invoice, reiterated It is opposition has legalization but recognized THE improved provisions compared with has pass proposals.

In the meantime, THE Desk of THE Public Defender approved THE Invoice, advocating For THE END of What they call A failed prohibitionist policy, saying that reform was late.

"While This Invoice do not entirely withdraw THE stigma partner with criminalization, perfection East THE enemy of GOOD And This East A stage In THE RIGHT direction," said THE Public Defender desk, note THE exit. "He East time has bring THE cannabis industry out of THE shadows, regulate he, And implement A thoughtful And compassionate approach has cannabis use."

By contrast, THE Department of Law Enforcement relayed fall concerns, predict A increase In traffic incidents And A swelling black walk. They warned that legalization could strain enforcement resources Already stretched thin by miscellaneous smuggling problems.

Key amendments adopted include restructuring THE cannabis tax policy, with A 14% excise tax For recreational to use And A 4% tax For medical marijuana, clarify that radiation don't do it apply has "distribution" convictions, add A "defective date" has signal THE invoices need For further work Before promulgation.

Photo: Beach out Honolulu by Maureen Meehan

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