Hawaii Health Officials Back Federal Marijuana Rescheduling as Trump Weighs Reform
Hawaii’s Department of Health has expressed support for the federal rescheduling of marijuana, a move that could reduce barriers to research and ease banking and insurance challenges for the industry. The department’s statement comes as President Donald Trump weighs a decision on the proposal.
The Hawaii Department of Health recognizes that the current classification of marijuana as a Schedule I substance, with no accepted medical use, conflicts with the growing body of scientific evidence and the reality of its lawful medical use in Hawaii and many other states. The department believes that reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III could reduce certain barriers to research, allow for more standardized medical guidance, and potentially ease banking and insurance challenges for the industry.
However, the department also emphasized that federal rescheduling would not change Hawaii’s medical cannabis laws or program requirements unless the state legislature amends state law. The department would continue to prioritize patient safety, product quality, and public health regardless of marijuana’s federal classification.
Meanwhile, a state lawmaker who sponsored a cannabis legalization bill in the recent session is actively gathering input on how to revise the legislation in the hopes it can pass next year. Rep. David Tarnas (D) believes that voters are very interested in moving forward with legalizing adult-use marijuana and that the industry would like to see a better regulatory framework.
Tarnas is trying to incorporate improvements suggested by stakeholders and has checked in with other states to ensure that the proposed legislation is informed by best practices. However, he acknowledges that there are skeptics in the legislature who are hesitant to support legalization.
Other lawmakers have also weighed in on the issue, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact of legalization on public health and safety. Rep. Jarrett Keohokalole (D) believes that Hawaii is not yet ready to legalize marijuana, while Rep. Adam Tam (D) supports legalization and believes that it could be regulated to ensure quality and safety.
Sen. Brenton Awa (R) also weighed in, saying that while legalization could create jobs and tax revenue, the policy change would require better plans and bills that prioritize people.
In related news, Hawaii regulators are launching a series of courses to educate physicians and other healthcare professionals about medical marijuana as the state’s cannabis program expands. The state is also implementing new rules around hemp products and has signed into law a measure to expedite the expungement process for people with past marijuana-related offenses.
