governor david ige Archives

Hawaii Senate Votes Unanimously to Allow Medical Cannabis for Lupus, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis and Autism

March 7, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

A Hawaii measure that would expand the list of qualifying medical cannabis conditions has been passed by the state’s full Senate.

Senate Bill 174 was passed today with a unanimous 25 to 0 vote. It now goes to the House of Representatives, where its passage will send it to Governor David Ige for consideration.

If passed into law, the proposal would allow those with lupus, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and autism to become registered medical cannabis patients, allowing them to possess, purchase (from a licensed dispensary) and use cannabis and cannabis products for medical use.

Hawaii Governor Signs Bill Allowing Nurses to Recommend Medical Cannabis

July 11, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Nurses can now certify patients to use medical cannabis, thanks to legislation signed into law today by Governor David Ige.

Under the new law – which takes effect immediately – nurses in the state can recommend medical cannabis to people, allowing them to become registered with the state as legal medical cannabis patients, the same as physicians. Advocates of the change say it’s necessary as there aren’t enough doctors willing to certify patients.

Hemp Bill Signed Into Law in Hawaii

July 8, 2016July 8, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Hawaii Governor David Ige has signed into law a bill that establishes a pilot program allowing for the cultivation and production of industrial hemp. The signing comes roughly two months after the measure was approved unanimously by the state’s House and Senate.

Specifically, Senate Bill 2659 calls for the creation of an industrial hemp pilot program that allows farmers who receive a license from the Board of Agriculture to cultivate and produce hemp for agricultural and academic research. The measure provides funding to the Board of Agriculture to help facilitate the program.

Hawaii Governor Signs Bill Legalizing Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

July 16, 2015July 16, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Hawaii Governor David Ige has signed House Bill 321 into law, legalizing medical cannabis dispensaries throughout the state. The measure was signed on Tuesday, and went into effect on Wednesday.

The proposal, which was approved 24 to 0 in the Senate, and 38 to 13 in the House of Representatives, legalizes the distribution of medical cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries, which will be supplied by licensed cultivation centers.

Hawaii Legislature Passes Measure to Legalize Medical Cannabis Dispensaries, Bill Heads to Governor

May 31, 2015May 8, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Hawaii's State Capitol. — The Hawaii State Capitol.

After months of discussion and debate, Hawaii’s full Legislature has given approval to House Bill 321, a proposal to legalize the cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis through state-sanctioned production centers and dispensaries.

The bill was approved unanimously, 24 to 0 in the Senate, and 38 to 13 in the House of Representatives.

Specifically, the measure would authorize 16 dispensaries and 16 production centers throughout the state, which would supply medical cannabis to qualified patients. Cannabis has been legal as a medicine since the Legislature passed legislation in 2000, but patients have had no legal means of obtaining it.