Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB1624

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Legalize The Adult Use Of Cannabis.

Impact

Should HB1624 pass, it will require the state legislature to enact detailed laws covering the manufacturing, distribution, sale, possession, and taxation of cannabis. This constitutional amendment is seen as a crucial step towards organizing a legal cannabis market, which could lead to increased tax revenues for the state and create new economic opportunities. Additionally, it would encourage the establishment of business around cannabis, including retail and cultivation, thus contributing to job creation in this emerging sector.

Summary

House Bill 1624 proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii aimed at legalizing the adult use of cannabis. The bill stipulates that individuals aged twenty-one and older will be permitted to use and possess cannabis for personal use starting from July 1, 2027. This legislative change is intended to formally establish the legal framework for cannabis use within the state, moving it from illicit status to regulated legality, much like alcohol across various jurisdictions.

Contention

Notably, the proposal may spark debate among various interest groups and lawmakers. Proponents of the bill argue that legalization could benefit the state economically and socially by reducing the burden on the judicial system and redirecting law enforcement resources. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of cannabis legalization on public health, safety, and morality. There could also be apprehensions regarding the appropriate regulations to accompany such legislation and whether it adequately addresses potential issues related to substance abuse.

Companion Bills

HI SB2420

Same As Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Legalize The Adult Use Of Cannabis.

Previously Filed As

HI HB519

Proposing An Amendment To Article Ix Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii Relating To Recreational Cannabis.

HI HB728

Proposing A Constitutional Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Protect The Right To Reproductive Freedom.

HI SB297

Proposing A Constitutional Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Protect The Right To Reproductive Freedom.

HI SB920

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii Constitution.

HI HB140

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB311

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding The Freedom Of Speech.

HI HB770

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI SB124

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI HB488

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii Constitution To Promote Accountability In Elected Officials.

HI SB733

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

CA SB699

Legislature: constitutional course.

TX SJR54

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

TX HJR98

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB2315

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB2265

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Enable Legislation By The People.