Hawaii Senate Bill SCR150

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/19/26
• Report Pass: 3/31/26
• Refer: 3/31/26

Caption

Requesting The Governor To Obtain A Controlled Substance Exemption From The Drug Enforcement Administration For Registered Medical Cannabis Patients And Registration Waivers For State-licensed Dispensaries.

Summary

SCR150 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting that the Governor of Hawaii pursue federal relief from the Drug Enforcement Administration for the state’s medical cannabis program. Specifically, it asks the Governor to seek a controlled substance exemption for registered medical cannabis patients so they can participate in Hawaii’s program without exposure to federal prosecution or discrimination, and to seek registration waivers for state-licensed dispensaries so they can produce and distribute medical cannabis intrastate in compliance with both state and federal law. The resolution frames the measure as a response to the conflict between Hawaii’s medical cannabis laws and federal Schedule I classification of cannabis. It argues that the current mismatch creates legal uncertainty for patients and businesses, limits access, discourages enrollment, and contributes to banking, tax, housing, employment, and transportation problems. It also directs the Department of Health to provide updates to the Legislature and sends copies of the resolution to the Governor, Attorney General, Hawaii’s congressional delegation, and the Department of Health.

Impact

If adopted, SCR150 would not itself change Hawaii statutes or create a new regulatory program, but it would formally urge executive action to seek federal exemptions and waivers affecting the state medical cannabis system. The practical impact would be on registered patients and state-licensed dispensaries, potentially reducing federal risk, improving access to banking and tax treatment for dispensaries, and strengthening the state’s ability to administer its intrastate medical cannabis program. It also reinforces the Legislature’s prior position from HCR 132 (2021) and seeks executive follow-through on that request.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows clear support in committee: the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed the resolution unanimously, 4-0, and there is no recorded opposition in the provided materials. The bill’s tone is strongly supportive of medical cannabis patients and dispensaries, emphasizing patient access, state authority, and reduced legal uncertainty. Overall, the discussion context suggests favorable sentiment toward asking the Governor to pursue federal relief.

Contention

The main point of contention is the underlying federal-state conflict over cannabis law. The resolution argues that federal prohibition harms patients and dispensaries, while also acknowledging that continued activity under state law can create the impression that federal law does not matter. Supporters appear to favor seeking exemptions and waivers as a practical solution, but the bill’s premise depends on federal agencies granting relief, which is uncertain. Another implicit tension is between expanding protections for medical cannabis participants and maintaining compliance with federal controlled substances law.