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.
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The Honorable David Y. Ige
Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi State Capitol Executive Chambers
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
May 5th, 2018
Aloha Governor Ige,
Hundreds of licensed patients live and grow their Cannabis medicine at home in areas affected by the lava evacuations. According to the DOH, Pahoa has the highest concentration of licensed patients in the state. Licensed patients may not have had access to their home before the areas were evacuated. So they would not have their medicine. Licensed caregivers are also affected.
Patients in evacuated areas have expressed concerns over saving their plants. Specifically that by moving their plants to a different address could cost them their freedom. Hosts of evacuees may also face incarceration for hosting evacuee patients and their plants. We fear that the separation of patients from their medicine will cause some patients to try and go back to their homes to collect their plants or medicine or both. This has been happening today.
We are concerned that a patient trying to get to their medicine may look to a National Guard like a looter.
For these reasons we are requesting an exemption for licensed patients in Hawaii County from DOH rules and laws restricting the possession of plants and plant material at the wrong address. Patients should also be welcomed to transport their plants freely without losing their freedom. We hope you will implement this exemption immediately and make it last until patients can safely return to their homes.
Time is of the essence. We are grateful for your commitment to doing good and for creating positive impacts in our communities.
With respect,
Hawaiʻi Cannabis Organization
117 Keawe Street, #132, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
support@nullhawaiicannabis.org
Letter to Hawaii State Governor David Ige – Requesting exemption from plant counts – PDF