Hawaii Police Department Brochure – Marijuana Is Not Medicine
HPD CIA misinformation techniques applied in schools. The goal of these misinformation was to intentionally stigmatize school children in Hawaii. The Hawaii police department passed these color brochures out in schools they visited. What are they feeding your kids now? When was the last time you were invited to a D.A.R.E. event at your kid’s […]
Medical Advice from the Hawaii State Department of Health
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Healthy Hawaii Guide
Considerations for a Patient-Friendly Government This annual guide aims to help voters and elected officials reduce harm to patients while improving our Cannabis economy. More than 25,000 licensed patients in Hawaii are affected by restrictions on Cannabis medicine. Nationally, 70% of voters oppose enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized medical or recreational […]
Request for Plant-count Exemption for Licensed Patients During Lava Emergency Evacuations
We’ve asked Governor Ige for an exemption to help protect patients who need to move their plants. The letter is pasted below and linked at bottom. As more information becomes available we’ll update this page. Find more lower Puna infographics on Dr. Mark Kimura’s Facebook timeline. — The Honorable David Y. Ige Governor, State of […]
Department of Justice Coward, Jeff Sessions Faces Becoming Unpopular, Backs Down
In a new poll being promoted by Norml, Ninety-three percent of voters support the medical use of marijuana, as authorized by a doctor. From Quinnipiac: This widespread support is in line with the results of prior Cannabis polls. Voters oppose the enforcement of federal laws against marijuana in states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana […]
Trump Support for States’ Rights to Legalize Cannabis
Mahalo LA Times for the update. The latest from Washington » “Late Wednesday, I received a commitment from the president that the Department of Justice’s rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorado’s legal marijuana industry,” Gardner said, referring to the Obama-era policy, named after former Deputy Atty. Gen. James M. Cole, who issued […]
Legalization of Cannabis in Hawaii – It’s Legal Now (With a License)
Clarification for licensed patients, Hawaii has accepted the medical use of Cannabis. There is no conflict with federal law or preemption as is the case with pesticides, for example. Scheduling and decriminalization are irrelevant for licensed patients. Here’s some language to consider for folks interested in obtaining a license to grow (please grow): https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/SB2217_.htm […]
Drug Imports Dropping Rapidly – Taxpayers Want a Refund
Illegal Cannabis Imports Dropping Rapidly If Hawaii voters had access to information about increases or decreases in drug trafficking surely we would not allow their taxes to be increased for a drug war with less financial needs. While legal states are seeing less opioid deaths and less black market activity, Hawaii’s governor, Lt. Gov, law […]
Washington State Traceability and Updated Reporting
from the Washington LCB… Current Stats from Leaf Data Systems The below statistics cover activity in Leaf Data Systems for the time period between February 1, 2018 and March 11, 2018. Workarounds within Leaf Last week we sent an email that included a link to a table with known workaround solutions for workflow issues. This information will […]
AEOS Labs Cannabis Testing Laboratory is Third to Open in Hawaii
Aeos Labs operated by Clinical Labs of Hawaii has opened. Aeos Labs, Inc has received permission to open from the state and has received the The Emerald Test® badge by Emerald Scientific for its Potency, Microbial, and Heavy Metals testing. We had the opportunity to speak with Benjamin Mead of Aeos Labs regarding transparency in test results, certifications for […]
What is the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment?
The Rohrabacher–Farr amendment (also known as the Rohrabacher–Blumenauer amendment) is legislation prohibiting the Justice Department from spending funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical cannabis laws. Rohrabacher-Blumenauer is pretty plain and clear: no DOJ funds can be used to block the implementation of medical cannabis reforms in states where it has been legalized, […]
Hawaii Cannabis Legislation
Who Will Be the First State to Fix Insurance for Cannabis Medicine?
State departments of health couldn’t fix health insurance for patients who rely on Cannabis medicine. Legislators didn’t pass laws. Jeff Sessions. Local judiciaries may start filling gaps in coverage with court rulings. Have any similar cases been brought before courts in Hawaii? Meanwhile in New Jersey… Dr. John Gordon at urhealthguide.com wrote about a case last […]
Could Hawaii Legislators Help Protect Legal Cannabis Businesses and Collectives
In Massachusetts, lawmakers are moving to protect it’s state’s tax revenue from the sale of Cannabis. As Jeff Sessions threatens the viability of small and large businesses in the medical Cannabis economy, some lawmakers are taking a stand. MPP’s Will Luzier, a leader of the Yes on 4 campaign, helped to conceive the bill. “I think […]
Critical: Protect Lawful Medical Cannabis Programs
Federal: Protect Lawful State Medical Marijuana Programs Update 2 (1-20-2018). The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment has expired due to the shutdown of the federal government. Right now Jeff Sessions may be asking Doug Chin for a list of licensed patients engaged in federally-illegal crimes. A letter sent to Governor Ige seeking help for patients received a bizarre […]
Jeff Sessions Federal Fear Reduces Patient Treatments
Update 11/08/20 Jeffery Session reign of terror is nearly over. His successor is a former college football player. He could directly benefit from Cannabis use and has likely heard professional football players stories of their Cannabis use for medical conditions caused by football. He’s also made some Cannabis-friendlier statements. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has […]
Hawaii Adds ALS to MMJ Program; Rejects Anxiety Disorders | Ganjapreneur
We’re all super grateful for another contribution from Dr. Clifton Otto. This time it’s ALS disease. Mahalo for your work at getting this debilitating disease approved for healthcare. Amazing that only a few days ago an ALS patient would have been put in jail for trying Cannabis. Here’s the letter from Dr. Otto: https://hawaiicannabis.org/wp-content/uploads/ALSPetition-DOHApproval-19Dec17.pdf Read […]
California Cannabis Regulation Released
LICENSING AUTHORITIES RELEASE EMERGENCY MEDICINAL AND ADULT-USE CANNABIS REGULATIONS SACRAMENTO – California’s three state cannabis licensing authorities announced today that proposed emergency licensing regulations for commercial medicinal and adult-use cannabis have been posted online and are available to the public for review. View the pdf: California Cannabis Regulation Released. The Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of […]
Halloween Trick or Treat – Police Threats
Police have introduced a new fear in recent years. The threat of Cannabis candy. The trend will likely continue until law enforcement gets the training they need to function around medicine that does no harm. No one is eating edibles accidentally from trick or treating. Yet, the fear mongering can be pervasive. The money being […]
Hawaii Licenses 2nd Testing Lab | Ganjapreneur
Hawaii’s second medical cannabis testing lab has been licensed and can begin testing products immediately, according to a KITV report. Hawaii’s second medical cannabis testing lab has been licensed and can begin testing products immediately, according to a KITV report. Pharmlab Hawaii is expected to test products for dispensaries on Maui; Steep Hill Hawaii, located in Oahu, was approved […]
Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Update – Vol. I, No. 5 August 2017
Maintaining a Strong Relationship with Your Doctor With two medical cannabis dispensaries now open, and more anticipated to open in the near future, Hawaii’s registered patients must carefully weigh information on potency and efficacy of medical cannabis products. Obtaining accurate information and knowing who to turn to for answers may be a challenge for patients. […]
Colorado Crackdown on Homegrown Cannabis Advances
DENVER (AP) — A Colorado plan to crack down on homegrown cannabis is rapidly heading to the governor’s desk after lawmakers changed the bill to give medical marijuana patients more leeway. ‘We’re not respecting patients’ rights as well as pushing the industry forward.’ -Jason Warf , Southern Colorado Cannabis Council A Senate committee vote 5-0 to […]
43 Percent of Americans Have Tried Marijuana and, According to Jeff Sessions, They are Not Good People
March 17, 2017– By Virginia Purcell Earlier this week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions delivered a speech to law enforcement officials in which he ranted about the immorality of smoking marijuana and signaled a return to the failed drug-abstinence “Just Say No!” programs of the 1980’s. Sessions said, “I think we have too much of a […]
Medical Cannabis Program Update Hawaii Department of Health
“Ensuring Hawaii’s registered patients have access to safe medical marijuana products through an efficient system of responsible, licensed dispensaries.” -Hawaii DOH Inside today’s update the Department of Health states their position on Medical Marijuana Legislative Bills “About 45 medical marijuana bills have been introduced in this legislative session, but Governor David Ige and the Hawaii State […]
Feds Threaten to Shut Down Las Vegas High Times Cannabis Cup
According to Reno Gazette Times, the Feds threaten to shut down Las Vegas High Times Cannabis Cup in a Feb. 16 letter to the Moapa Paiute Tribe. The times reports that U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden, based in Las Vegas, sent a Feb. 16 letter to the Moapa Paiute Tribe reminding the tribe that the transport, possession, use and distribution of […]
Federal Marijuana Policy – “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act”
An Epic Bill Introduction by Congressman Rohrabacher from California for the newly introduced “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act” (also see 2015 version) Visit Mr. Rohrabacher’s website for more links and articles to Cannabis legislation. From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office FEDERAL MARIJUANA POLICY The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker’s announced […]
Updated: Hearing Scheduled in Committee on Judiciary and Labor – SB 174 and SB 305 Relating to Cannabis
Updated 2/22/17 The committee(s) on JDL recommend(s) that the measure (SB 174) be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDL were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keith-Agaran, K. Rhoads, Kim; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Gabbard, L. Thielen. If the measure/bill becomes law it would amend the definition of […]
Cannabis Legislation 2017: We’re Tracking All Legalization Bills
Most state legislatures reconvene in early January, and by February they’re in full swing, moving some bills forward and killing others in committee. This year 27 state legislatures are considering bills pertaining to cannabis in some form. (Well, okay: 26. Mississippi had two medical marijuana bills, but they’re already dead.) Some states are pushing full […]
New Jersey’s Historic Bail Reform Law is Now in Effect and It’s Already Keeping Thousands Out of Jail
February 7, 2017– By Roseanne Scotti In these challenging times, it is important to celebrate our victories in the fields of criminal justice, civil rights and racial justice. So I want to share the great news about the first full month of New Jersey’s historic bail reform law implementation. In 2014, with your help, the […]
How to Testify – Hawaii State Legislature
You can do this! Testifying can be done quickly, easily and is a great way to support Cannabis patients. How To – Three ways to testify; In person. Keep informed of important hearings as they are scheduled. Typical hearing notices only give 48 hours notice before testimony may or may not be accepted iduring a hearing. […]
Adult-Use Bills Introduced in Hawai’i
Big changes could be made in Hawaii the 2017 session as two adult-use bills have been introduced in both legislative houses, according to a Honolulu Civil Beat report. However, they will likely face opposition from Democratic Gov. David Ige who wants to hold off on any cannabis-related legislation until the state’s medical marijuana program is […]
Correction: Hawaii State DID NOT Introduce a Bill to Legalize Genetically Modified Cannabis
Correction: An amendment in section 2 states in part, “provided that medical marijuana dispensary activities pursuant to chapter 329D shall not be considered an eligible business activity for the purposes of this chapter.” Dispensaries can not produce genetically-engineered medical products and be considered an “Eligible business activity”. Senate Bill 780 Introduced by Senators Mike Gabbard, Will Espero, […]
Senate and House Committees Abbreviations
Hawaiʻi State Senate and House Committees for 2017 Click for current listing of all committee testimony email addresses and contact numbers. AEN Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment AGR House Committee on Agriculture CPC House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce CPH Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health EDB House Committee on Economic […]
Hawaii Cannabis Legislation – Local News Article Looks Deeper into Introduced Bills
A post in today’s West Hawaii Today newspaper outlines some of the ideas behind recent Cannabis legislation introduced at the State legislature. According to the report, “State Sen. Russell Ruderman, D-Puna, is among several lawmakers this year proposing measures to legalize the drug for residents over age 21. One of Ruderman’s bills would allow counties […]
Looking for legal assistance?
The Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) offers members of the public free legal assistance. Self-Help Center Info Description of Services: Access to Justice Rooms – Volunteer attorneys provide limited legal advice to unrepresented litigants involved in a civil cases. Self-Help Centers – Volunteer attorneys and AmeriCorps Advocates provided limited legal information to help self-represented litigants […]
2017 Hawaii Cannabis Legislation Updated – Introduced Bills Measure Tracking Report
Hawaii legislators have stepped up efforts to help patients. We’ve updated the public spreadsheet of Medical Cannabis Bills introduced. http://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pqcchbujQWvm18UqlU0cXJvHAUk2PtkCoYecRMtPF4U/edit?usp=sharing The spreadsheet has been simplified to be easier to read. You can also see a list of “medical marijuana” related bills on the state legislature website.
Joy San Buenaventura Advocates for Medical Cannabis in Hawaii
A recent report in West Hawaii Today newspaper states, “Representative San Buenaventura, an attorney and vice chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee, is also turning her sights on the state’s new medical marijuana dispensary law in order to smooth out the obstacles slowing down the construction and startups of the dispensaries. She wants to push for marijuana […]
Survey Shows Two-Thirds of Police Are in Favor of Medical or Recreational Marijuana
A new survey of thousands of police officers from departments around the U.S. suggests that the majority don’t agree with the federal government’s stance on marijuana. Marijuana is still a Schedule I substance under federal law, meaning it’s categorized as one of the most dangerous drugs, with a high potential for abuse and no medicinal […]
Hawaiʻi’s Cannabis Goals for 2017 – Legislative Updates
Originally published Jan. 2nd, 2017 We know we can do better. If 10% of the licensed Cannabis patients in Hawaii engaged in direct action, we could save lives in 2017. How many Cannabis-preventable deaths occurred in 2016? How many will occur in 2017? There is no legal way to grow Cannabis in Hawaii. The mere act […]
Scheduling Cannabis in Hawaii Gets a Helping Hand
Many patients are aware the Federal Government claim Cannabis has medicinal benefits as exhibited in their patents on various constituents of Cannabis. Many more do not know that law enforcement in the State of Hawaii have also scheduled Cannabis as “Schedule 1”. Schedule 1 drugs must have “the highest degree of danger” of all drugs. […]
Hawaii County Resolution to Decriminalize Cannabis
November 2nd, 2016 – Hawaii County Lead by Council member Margaret Willie the Hawaii County Council voted to urge the Hawaii State Legislature to; 1) Establishing possession of marijuana of one ounce or less as a civil violation; 2) Directing that violations be punishable by fines and or community service; and 3) Directing that civil […]
Who’s On The Ohio Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee?
Columbus, Ohio A pain management doctor, staunch opponents to marijuana legalization and the father of a boy with cerebral palsy were a few of the people selected to advise state regulators setting up Ohio’s medical marijuana program. Ohio’s new medical marijuana law required Gov. John Kasich and legislative leaders from both parties to appoint 14 […]
MD: Sponsor Says Medical Cannabis Bill For Ag Areas Won’t Go Forward
The clock has run out on a proposal to allow medical cannabis to be grown in agricultural areas in Frederick County. A bill introduced by Council Vice President M.C. Keegan-Ayer (D) will die Wednesday under a provision of the county charter that requires bills to be enacted within 90 days of their formal introduction. Keegan-Ayer, […]
Pennsylvania’s Legalization Of Marijuana Gives Doctors Pause
As the Pennsylvania Department of Health works to finalize regulations for the state’s now-legal medical marijuana program, one important question looms: Will physicians be willing to participate? The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies marijuana as an illegal Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. With physicians’ opioid prescription […]
Medical Marijuana Advocacy
“There was a time in the United States when extracts of cannabis were almost as commonly used for medicinal purposes as is aspirin today,” wrote Solomon Snyder in a 1971 book entitled Uses of Marijuana. In fact, the history of marijuana medical use predates the written word. Every civilization since the dawn of man has […]
Hawai’i Cannabis Awareness Expo 2016
Mahalo for Being You. We couldn’t fit all the gratitude on one page so we create a special mahalo page. Please check it out and give thanks for all the attendees, patients, caregivers, sponsors, presenters, volunteers, vendors, artists and other local businesses who made this event successful. Visit the Hawaii Cannabis Gratitude page. Educational Conference Classes […]
Marijuana businesses push back against Oct. 1 changes
In this Feb. 17, 2016 photo, plants grow at the home of Jeremy Nickle, in his backyard in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nickel, who owns Hawaiian Holy Smokes and is applying for a dispensary, grows a variety of strains and has a medical marijuana card. Those wanting to open medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii face unique obstacles […]
How to Prevent Enforcement Interference in Your Cannabis Organization
MJ Freeway Program Manager, Tony Reese and Operations Consultant, Tyler Stratford share clear, actionable tips that you can implement immediately. They discuss compliance as a company culture, how to reduce risk, record keeping best practices, and more. Written by Jasmine on August 16, 2016 http://youtu.be/NjTYVNr1wbk
Oregon Cannabis Industry Facing Regulatory Uncertainty
New Challengs Face Oregon Cannabis Industry. By Cynthia Salarizadeh The Oregon Cannabis Industry is facing both double regulations, and regulatory Uncertainty. While seed-to-sale regulations are becoming the accepted norm in all states which have decriminalized cannabis, the situation in Oregon presents new challenges for industry dispensaries and growers. That’s because Oregon is regulated by two separate […]
Talking Law with David Sereno: Medical Marijuana on Maui
Hawai‘i’s Medical Marijuana Registry Program was signed into law in 2000, making Hawaii the first state to legalize medical-use cannabis via the legislature, as opposed to voter initiative. In 2015, Hawai‘i created the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Program, which gives permitted patients places to buy their cannabis. The program is administered by the state Department of Health, which will […]
President Obama Grants Clemency to 111 People
Today, President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 111 people incarcerated in federal prison, almost all for drug offenses. This brings his total number of clemencies granted to 673 people. Many of those who received commutations today were victims of the disparity in sentencing between crack and cocaine. President Obama has been pushed to do […]
Court Case In California Could Impact Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Industry
Most Pennsylvanians supported the recent legalization of Medical Marijuana. Most law enforcement agencies are opposed to the legalization, in general, of that controlled substance. In particular, the federal government actively prosecutes cases involving the production and sale of marijuana, which is still classified as a Schedule 1 substance. Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health […]
CA: Supervisors Reject Medical Marijuana Bans
After nearly three hours of staff reports, public comment and board discussion Tuesday, Aug. 16, county supervisors declined to pass urgency ordinances that would have temporarily restricted the cultivation of medical marijuana and prohibited dispensaries in Plumas County. Instead, the board plans to form a working committee made up of two supervisors, one or two […]
Cannabis Oil Won’t Be Sourced In Cayman, Says MLA
Health Councillor Roy McTaggart told Cayman 27 when cannabis oil is approved for medical use in Cayman, it won’t be grown on Cayman’s soil. He said allowing local farmers to cultivate marijuana would create the need for additional layers of regulation and testing, something he said government is not prepared to do. He told Cayman […]
BC: Nanaimo Reviews Victoria’s Draft Regulations On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Nanaimo city councillors want to know how the City of Victoria plans to regulate marijuana dispensaries, but there was agreement, something needs to be done about the pot shops here. Nanaimo continues to see dispensaries open and sell bud to brownies and T-shirts despite still being illegal. After an RCMP crackdown on dispensaries in December, […]
FL: Why Some Say The Bay Area’s New Medical Marijuana Dispensary Just Isn’t Enough
Lithia, Fla. – Rene Petro’s life came crashing down 6 years ago. Her healthy 8-year-old boy suddenly started seizing. “I kept hearing him say it hurts, please stop hurting me,” said Petro Her son Branden’s seizures never stopped. He suffers from a rare for of epilepsy. Rene’s has documented his struggles fighting for relief for […]
MI: Marijuana Commission Proposed With Lansing’s Ordinance
Lansing – More changes are ahead for the city’s proposed medical marijuana ordinance that – if approved – would affect patients, caregivers, business owners, neighbors and the city officials in charge of enforcing it. A fifth draft of the ordinance is expected to be completed at the end of this month by the City Attorney’s […]
Clinton, Trump both claim they’ve never smoked marijuana
WASHINGTON — While President Barack Obama has never hid his penchant for marijuana during his youth in Hawaii, Americans soon will elect a president who claims never to have touched it. Republican Donald Trump boasts that he has never smoked marijuana or a cigarette, or had a drop of alcohol. Democrat Hillary Clinton was adamant […]
Senators Grassley and Feinstein Introduce Bill to Exempt Certain Medical Cannabis Patients From Federal Prosecution
Washington, D.C. – This past week, the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (S. 3269) was introduced in the United States Senate, which would ease research barriers and create exemptions from federal law for certain medical cannabis patients. The bill was introduced by four members of the Senate Judiciary Committee – Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA),
Missouri Governor Signs Bill That Allows for Expungement of Many Marijuana Convictions
Jay Nixon, the Governor of Missouri, quietly became a marijuana hero this week by signing into law Senate Bill 558, all while looking like a dad who will never be proud of you. The law will allow the records of almost every marijuana-related conviction in the Missouri state and municipal courts to be expunged from public
Hawaii Dispensary Applicant Strikes Deal with Union | Ganjapreneur
According to TG Branfalt at Ganjaprenuer, Green Aloha Ltd. has reached an agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 480, according to a Bizjournals.com report. The union represents more than 1.3 million retail and grocery workers across the state, including members of its Cannabis Workers Rising program. “This is a new industry here for Hawaii but […]
Hawaii County Dispensary Applicants Named
By KIRSTEN JOHNSON Hawaii Tribune-Herald Fourteen Hawaii County Dispensary Applicants are vying to open the first medical marijuana dispensaries on Hawaii Island, according to information released Friday by the state Department of Health. Seven of the dispensary applicants listed in the state’s business registry have Hawaii Island mailing addresses, and five have Oahu addresses. Two applicants […]
Lowest Law Enforcement Priority in Hawaii County
“The citizens of the County of Hawaii have passed an initiative to make Cannabis offenses the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority, where the Cannabis is intended for adult personal use, and request that the federal and state branches of government remove criminal penalties for the cultivation, possession and use of Cannabis for adult personal use; the […]
Hawaii County Medical Marijuana Task Force Hearings on Big Island
On September 10th, 2014 the State of Hawaii Medical Marijuana Task Force met in Hawaii County. Part One [cannabis_youtube_advanced url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hOFWE-NG7o&feature=youtu.be” playlist=”” width=”640″ height=”360″ rel=”no” modestbranding=”yes” theme=”light” https=”yes”] Part Two [cannabis_youtube_advanced url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahqe4ApmY8o&feature=youtu.be” playlist=”” width=”640″ height=”360″ rel=”no” modestbranding=”yes” theme=”light” https=”yes”] Supplemental – Must Watch – Featuring Mike Ruggles and other members of the Alternative Pain Management Club. […]