Legislators Debate Cannabis Legalization at 2025 Hawaii Cannabis Expo

1 February 2025

The Hawaii Cannabis Expo, which recently took place at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu, served as both a marketplace and a policy forum. Featuring exhibitors from across the nation, the event focused on educating the public about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and advocating for regulatory advancements in Hawaii. Patients, advocates, and medical professionals shared testimonials about cannabis’ therapeutic effects, while lawmakers deliberated over proposed legislation that could shape the state’s cannabis industry.

A key topic of discussion was the push to legalize recreational cannabis, a measure that passed the Hawaii State Senate last year but stalled in the House. Former State Senator Will Espero reaffirmed that legalization will remain a priority in the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, Representative Jeanne Kapela introduced a bill aimed at protecting medical cannabis patients from employment discrimination. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Green recently extended protections for medical marijuana caregivers through an executive order, preventing the expiration of a law that allows caregivers to provide cannabis to patients unable to grow their own.

Relevant Laws and Proposed Bills:

Recreational Cannabis Legalization Bill – Passed the Hawaii State Senate in 2024 but not heard in the House; expected to be reintroduced in 2025.

Medical Cannabis Employment Protection Bill – Proposed by Rep. Jeanne Kapela, aiming to prevent job loss due to legal medical cannabis use.

Medical Cannabis Caregiver Extension Order – Executive order by Governor Josh Green allowing caregivers to continue assisting medical patients beyond the previous December 31, 2024, deadline.