A measure that would decriminalize the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana passed its first committee hearing on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 758 would increase from 3 grams to 1 ounce the minimum amount of marijuana that a defendant must possess to be charged with a petty misdemeanor. It would also permit persons previously convicted of possessing 1 ounce or less of marijuana to have the conviction expunged from their criminal record.
More than a dozen agencies, groups and individuals provided testimony is support of the measure, five testified against the bill and one, the state Judiciary, provided testimony with no position.
Providing comment in opposition to Senate Bill 758 were the Attorney General’s Office, City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, state Department of Transportation and the Maui Police Department.
Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard and Major Phillip Wilson, of the narcotics/vice division, said the bill’s passage “would create an increased availability of marijuana, making it more accessible, especially to juveniles.” [Read more at Hawaii Tribune-Herald]
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Comment *
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Δ
A bill to increase the amount of marijuana a person can possess before facing stiff criminal penalties failed 15-9 in the Hawaii Senate on Monday. It was the second defeat…
By Hannah King and Arin Aragona Plans for Kentucky’s medical cannabis program took a significant turn last week with the passage of House Bill 829 and the implementation of emergency…
By Steven Ascher and Anna M.Windemuth The unique status of the cannabis business — legal in a majority of states, but still illegal under federal law — creates a thorny…
By Courtney A. Hunter and Jessalyn H. Zeigler Demand for cannabidiol (CBD) products continues to climb, and the market has risen to the occasion. There is now a robust array…