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History of Cannabis in Hawaii

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Early History and Introduction of Cannabis in Hawaii
  3. The Influence of Western Settlers
  4. The Rise of Hemp Cultivation
  5. Early Criminalization of Cannabis
  6. The Counterculture Movement and Cannabis in Hawaii
  7. Early Attempts at Decriminalization and Medical Marijuana
  8. Dispensary System and Further Expansion of Medical Marijuana
  9. Decriminalization of Cannabis
  10. Challenges and Opportunities for Legalization
  11. The Unique Cannabis Strains and Culture of Hawaii
  12. The Center of the Wars on Drugs
  13. The Ice Epidemic and the Impact of Cannabis Eradication on Methamphetamine Use

Introduction

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has a long and complex history in Hawaii. The story of cannabis in the Aloha State encompasses various aspects, such as the cultural, economic, and legal dimensions. This report aims to explore the rich history of cannabis in Hawaii, from its introduction to the islands to its present-day status, and the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result.

Early History and Introduction of Cannabis in Hawaii

Cannabis is believed to have arrived in Hawaii with the first wave of Polynesians who settled on the islands around 500 CE. These settlers brought with them various plants, including cannabis, which they used for medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes. Cannabis played a significant role in Hawaiian culture and was often referred to as “pakalolo” (crazy tobacco). The traditional healers, or “kahuna lā’au lapa’au,” employed the plant in the treatment of various ailments and conditions.[1]

The Influence of Western Settlers

The arrival of Western settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries marked the beginning of significant changes in Hawaiian society, including its relationship with cannabis. Christian missionaries, who began arriving in the 1820s, condemned the use of cannabis for its intoxicating effects and encouraged the local population to adopt more “civilized” practices. Despite their efforts, cannabis remained an integral part of Hawaiian culture, as its use persisted, particularly among the rural and working-class population.[2]

The Rise of Hemp Cultivation

In the early 20th century, Hawaii became a prominent player in the global hemp industry. Hemp, a variant of the Cannabis sativa plant, was grown for its fibers and used to produce various industrial products, such as rope, textiles, and paper. The cultivation of hemp in Hawaii gained momentum during World War II when the United States faced a shortage of raw materials. In 1943, the United States Department of Agriculture launched the “Hemp for Victory” campaign, which encouraged the production of hemp across the country, including in Hawaii. The industry thrived for a few years but began to decline after the war due to the resurgence of other raw materials and the increasing stigmatization of cannabis.[3]

Early Criminalization of Cannabis

As cannabis faced increased scrutiny in the mainland United States, Hawaii followed suit. In 1927, the Hawaii Territorial Legislature passed a law that criminalized the possession of marijuana. This law was in response to concerns about marijuana use among local workers, particularly those of Filipino descent[4]. The criminalization of cannabis continued in the 1930s with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which imposed harsh taxes on the cultivation and sale of cannabis. The federal law effectively outlawed cannabis nationwide, including in Hawaii.

The Counterculture Movement and Cannabis in Hawaii

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a resurgence of cannabis use in Hawaii, driven by the counterculture movement that swept across the United States. The islands attracted many “hippies” and artists who were drawn to the laid-back lifestyle and favorable climate. Cannabis use became widespread, and the Hawaiian cannabis strain “Maui Wowie” gained international fame. The state responded to this increased use with strict law enforcement measures, including mandatory minimum sentences for cannabis possession.

Early Attempts at Decriminalization and Medical Marijuana

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a growing movement to decriminalize and legalize cannabis for medical use in the United States. In 1990, Hawaii’s legislature passed a resolution that recognized the potential benefits of medical marijuana and urged the federal government to allow its use[5]. In 2000, Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical marijuana through the legislative process with the passage of Act 228, also known as the Hawaii Medical Marijuana Act. This landmark legislation allowed patients with specific medical conditions, such as cancer, glaucoma, and HIV/AIDS, to use marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. However, the law did not provide a legal means for patients to obtain medical marijuana, which remained a challenge for many years.

Dispensary System and Further Expansion of Medical Marijuana

In 2015, the Hawaii State Legislature passed Act 241, which established a regulatory framework for medical marijuana dispensaries. The law allowed the licensing of up to eight dispensaries across the state, providing a legal avenue for patients to access medical cannabis[6]. The first dispensaries opened their doors in 2017, and the medical marijuana program continued to evolve with the inclusion of additional qualifying conditions and the expansion of available products.

Decriminalization of Cannabis

Efforts to decriminalize cannabis in Hawaii gained momentum in the 2010s. In 2019, the Hawaii State Legislature passed House Bill 1383, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis[7]. Under the new law, individuals caught with three grams or less of marijuana would receive a $130 fine rather than facing criminal penalties. While the legislation was considered a significant step forward, some critics argued that the three-gram limit was too restrictive compared to decriminalization laws in other states.

Challenges and Opportunities for Legalization

As of 2021, the full legalization of recreational cannabis remains a topic of debate in Hawaii. Proponents argue that legalization could generate significant tax revenue, create jobs, and alleviate the burden on the criminal justice system. Opponents, however, express concerns about potential increases in substance abuse, impaired driving, and negative impacts on public health.

Several legislative attempts have been made in recent years to legalize recreational cannabis, but none have been successful thus far. In 2021, a bill that proposed the legalization of recreational cannabis and the establishment of a regulated market advanced through several committees but ultimately stalled in the State Legislature[8]. Patient and home market advocates claim that over-regulation will increase foreign cannabis imports and grow a stronger unregulated market.

The Unique Cannabis Strains and Culture of Hawaii

Throughout its history, Hawaii has been home to some unique cannabis strains, such as the “Hawaiian Sativa and its progeny through outdoor and indoor periods.” The state’s tropical climate and isolation have contributed to the development of these distinctive strains such as Maui Wowie, Kona Gold, Puna Buddaz, Kaua’i Electric, and Moloka’i Purpz, which have gained popularity both locally and internationally.

Modern strains that treat specific symptoms and conditions of debilitating diseases have been developed since the war on drugs, such as Charlotte’s Web, used effectively to reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy. Hawaii cannabis culture is also marked by its fusion of traditional Polynesian influences and the laid-back spirit of the islands.

The Center of the Wars on Drugs

Hawaii, due to its strategic location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has found itself at the center of the United States’ War on Drugs. Its geographic position has made it an attractive transit point for drug traffickers smuggling narcotics between Asia, the mainland United States, and other Pacific nations. As a result, law enforcement agencies have dedicated significant resources to combating drug trafficking in and around the islands.

The War on Drugs has had profound implications for cannabis policy in Hawaii. While marijuana use and cultivation for personal consumption have been relatively common, especially in more rural areas of the state, the islands have also become known for large-scale, illicit cannabis cultivation operations. These operations, which have sometimes been associated with organized crime, have led to a heightened law enforcement presence and aggressive eradication efforts.

The Ice Epidemic and the Impact of Cannabis Eradication on Methamphetamine Use

During the late 20th century and early 21st century, Hawaii faced a severe methamphetamine crisis, known locally as the “ice epidemic.” The widespread use of methamphetamine, particularly in its crystal form known as “ice,” became a significant public health concern in the state[9]. The problem was exacerbated by the federal government’s aggressive cannabis eradication efforts, which inadvertently contributed to the rise of methamphetamine use in Hawaii.

According to a federal report, the intensive crackdown on marijuana cultivation during the War on Drugs caused the price of cannabis to increase significantly, making it more expensive and harder to obtain. This unintended consequence of marijuana eradication created a market opportunity for other illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine, which was cheaper, more accessible, and offered a more potent high[10].

Conclusion

The history of cannabis in Hawaii is a complex and evolving narrative that encompasses the plant’s cultural significance, economic impact, and legal status. While the state has made significant strides in decriminalizing cannabis and providing access to medical marijuana, the question of full legalization remains a subject of ongoing debate. As the national conversation around cannabis continues to evolve, Hawaii’s unique cannabis culture and history will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the state’s future relationship with the plant.

References

  1. Abel, E. L. (1980). Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years. Plenum Press. Retrieved from the National Library of Medicine.
  2. Hawaiian Encyclopedia: A Chronology of Hawaiian History. Mutual Publishing.
  3. National Park Service. (n.d.). Kahuna: The Experts of Traditional Hawaiian Society. Retrieved from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
  4. Hawaiian Encyclopedia: Hemp in Hawaii. Mutual Publishing.
  5. Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. (2018). Public Law 115-334. Retrieved from Congress.gov.
  6. Hawaii Revised Statutes §329-121 to 329-128 (2018). Medical use of cannabis; definitions. Hawaii State Legislature.
  7. Hawaii Revised Statutes §329D-1 to 329D-17 (2018). Medical cannabis dispensary system. Hawaii State Legislature.
  8. House Bill 1383 (2019). Act 273 (2019). Hawaii State Legislature.
  9. Connolly, C. P. (2012). Ice Age: A Social History of Methamphetamine Addiction in Hawaii. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 44(4), 283–292. doi:10.1080/02791072.2012.736841
  10. U.S. Congress. (2004). Methamphetamine in Hawaii: An Overview. In Methamphetamine: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, February 10, 2004 (Serial No. 108-189, pp. 99–114). Retrieved from the U.S. Government Publishing Office.

Also checkout the Timeline of Cannabis in Hawaii.