As approved by the legislature, House Bill 2675 called on the committee to make recommendations regarding "the feasibility of developing safe growing facilities … for qualified patients with written certification to grow medical marijuana for their medical use." The task force was also mandated to review statewide guidelines authorizing the amount of medical cannabis patients may legally use and possess under state law. In her veto message, Gov. Lingle said she opposed the bill because "the use of marijuana, even medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law," and because she believes that there are alternative prescription drugs available besides cannabis. "This bill is objectionable because it is an exercise aimed at finding ways to circumvent federal law," she concluded.

The legislature did not elect to override the Governor's veto. Currently, an estimated 3,000 Hawaiians are registered to use medical cannabis under Hawaii law. 

For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500.