Hawaii’s House of Representatives has voted to delay a sweeping proposal that would have legalized marijuana, effectively halting the bill’s progress until next legislative session. Though companion legislation is still alive on the Senate side, it’s expected that the measure will also fail to advance through the House this year.
On a voice vote on second reading of the bill on Thursday, the House voted to recommit the measure, HB 1246, sponsored by Rep. David Tarnas (D). The 313-page proposal would have legalized adult-use marijuana and brought together hemp and cannabis regulation under a single agency, the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office.
There’s still a chance that the legislation’s Senate vehicle, SB 1613, could make it to governor’s desk, but that bill would still need to pass out of that chamber and win over reluctant lawmakers in the House. It faces a committee deadline of next Friday.
Some lawmakers criticized the motion from Rep. Chris Todd (D) to recommit the bill, saying it is unusual to scuttle proposals on second reading.
“It’s very important to note that it has been rare custom and practice on this floor to recommit a bill on second reading…in my 18 years here so far,”
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