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HB1246Introduced in the House

Relating To Cannabis.

IntroducedHouse Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Introduced by David Tarnas, District 8

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Establishes the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant. Beginning 1/1/2026, legalizes the personal adult use of cannabis. Establishes taxes on the retail sale of adult-use cannabis and the sale of medical cannabis. Adds new traffic offenses relating to the consumption or possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate. Makes conforming amendments related to the legalization of personal adult use of cannabis. Beginning 1/1/2026, decriminalizes certain drug offenses related to marijuana and marijuana concentrate. Transfers the personnel and assets of the Department of Health and assets of the Department of Agriculture relating to cannabis to the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office. Establishes various positions within state entities to regulate the personal adult use of cannabis. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Where it stands

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

December 8, 2025

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

What do people think?

Citizen Voice

How would you vote on this bill?

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Bill history

  1. Pending introduction.

  2. Introduced and Pass First Reading.

  3. Referred to JHA/AGR, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 4

  4. Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA/AGR on Tuesday, 02-04-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.

  5. The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Kahaloa, Todd; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Perruso; 4 Noes: Representative(s) Hashem, Takayama, Garcia, Shimizu; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran.

  6. The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Kusch, Lowen, Quinlan; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Perruso; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward.

  7. Reported from JHA/AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 247) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC.

  8. Recommitted to JHA/AGR with Representative(s) Amato, Belatti, Cochran, Iwamoto, Perruso, Souza voting no and Representative(s) Ward excused.

  9. Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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