Well, it finally looks like we will have a task force to work out solutions to our failed medical cannabis system here in Hawaii. SB1058 SD2 HD2 is now going over to Conference Committee and is on its final stages before it goes over to the governor’s desk next month for her approval.
This version of a task force will be quite different than the “working group” that was set up back in 2005 which unfortunately did not make any changes at all to the program. This task force will be composed of multiple patient advocates, including myself, who will work to make positive changes to the program for the benefit of the patients the program was designed for.
This will be the first time that American’s for Safe Access has held a seat on a state medical cannabis task force, so it will be a historic event on that part. We are sure that this will not be the last time that American’s for Safe Access will have a say in protecting the patient’s rights.
The Conference Committee members were just assigned and shall consist of: Senate Conferees appointed: Espero, Chair; Taniguchi, Co-Chair(s); Slom. House conferees appointed: Karamatsu, Hanohano, Yamane, Aquino Co-Chairs; Marumoto.
I think our biggest hurdles will be Senator Sam Slom and Represenative Barbara Marumoto, both of which are Republicans, and both are sitting as Co-Chairs.
We hope that all of the Representatives and Senators appointed to this committee will see the urgent need of the terminally ill and suffering in Hawaii and will pass this bill to allow the Cannabis Task Force to be set up so that we can begin working on solutions to the many current problems that the program has.
We will keep you updated on the progress of this bill and the task force as it becomes available.
RC Anderson, Ph.D.
