STAND. COM. REP. NO. 273-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1957

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1957 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS DAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish June 14 of each year as "Medical Cannabis Day" in recognition of the State's authority over the intrastate regulation of cannabis for medical use and in honor of Hawaii's growing number of patients who are finding relief through the medical use of cannabis.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Cannabis Industry Association, Akamai Cannabis Clinic, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that on June 14, 2000, Governor Cayetano signed Hawaii's Medical Use of Cannabis Act into law. Your Committee further finds that this was the first time a state authorized the medical use of cannabis by means of the legislative process. The significance of this day was recognized by proclamation by the mayors of all four counties in 2020 and 2021 and by the governor in 2021. This measure recognizes the State's authority over the intrastate regulation of cannabis and honors the growing number of patients in the State who have found relief through the medical use of cannabis.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1957 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

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CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair