“Hawaii is going to be a really interesting market in general, basically because of the geography,” said Chris Walsh, managing editor of Marijuana Business Daily. “First, it’s a chain of islands separated by bodies of water, and second, it’s remote.”
Edited to reflect more recent developments.
The Hawaii Department of Health, known for it’s horrifying treatment of patients who rely on Cannabis medicine over the lsat 20 years is currently reviewing dispensary applications. A few men selected by the Hawaii Department of Health will choose who they want to own dispensaries and award licenses in April.
Will it be Actor and marijuana advocate Woody Harrelson? Or maybe video game designer Henk Rogers? Who is most connected with the state among 59 international investors who have applied for licenses?
Under a law passed in 2015, Hawaii will grant eight licenses for marijuana businesses, each of which can have two production centers and two dispensaries. Three licenses will be awarded for Oahu, two for Hawaii Island, two for Maui and one for Kauai.
However, the law banned inter-island transport. Marijuana advocates say that will separate the industry into distinct economies on each island, unlike other states. It could also lead to marijuana shortages, and go as far as preventing some dispensaries from even selling marijuana until laboratories are approved.
All medical marijuana must be tested in a state-approved laboratory before it’s sold, but currently, there are none in Hawaii. Some worry that high startup costs and low patient numbers will prevent laboratories from opening on rural islands.“Clearly, not every island can support a full-on laboratory,” said Pam Lichty, president of the Drug Policy Action Group.
In response, Hawaii lawmakers are considering whether to allow marijuana to be transported to another island if a laboratory isn’t available. Rep. Della Au Belatti, who introduced the bill, said lawmakers are trying to figure out how to get around federal laws that prevent marijuana from being transported by sea or air. She said she asked state agencies to look at other state policies for answers.
Dell Botti is also traveling to states where Cannabis is already saving lives. She wants to know how she can “tax patients” or the plant itself. If you’re enjoying the herb, stay in hiding in general. Hawaii lawmakers are looking for Cannabis industry lobbyist to help pay for their travel and gambling but so far there have been no takers said, Kalani Ishihara.
Some airports in Washington, Oregon and Alaska allow travelers to fly with marijuana, airport officials told The Associated Press. They said the Transportation Security Administration sends travelers with marijuana to local law enforcement officers, who allow people to board flights carrying legal amounts under state law.
However, the Federal Aviation Administration is required to revoke pilots’ licenses if they knowingly commit a federal crime involving a controlled substance on an aircraft — for instance, transporting marijuana.
The Department of Justice says it is less likely to interfere with state marijuana programs as long as they’re well-regulated, according to a 2013 memo. That memo has since been recinded by ass-hat Jeff Sessions under the Trump administration.
Medical marijuana advocates in Hawaii say patients would benefit from relaxed laws on inter-island transport. For instance, a crop failure on Kauai, with only one license, could leave patients without medicine for months.Marijuana shortages are not unheard of. States like Massachusetts and New Jersey have dealt with shortages due to low yields and mold contamination. Those in the industry say Hawaii dispensaries could face pot shortages if something goes wrong in the grow process, which could be a higher possibility as growers start out.
Source: Hawaii marijuana: Uncharted waters ahead for transport, testing
Part of this story was edited for posterity, uh, uh, ahh yeeah. In 2020 this article may be attached to a rocket headed for the moon where a plaque will commemorate the pain and suffering inflicted on patients by the state of Hawaii.