REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXEMPTION FROM THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR REGISTERED MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS AND REGISTRATION WAIVERS FOR STATE-LICENSED DISPENSARIES.

This Senate Resolution asks the Governor to request a federal exemption from the Drug Enforcement Administration for registered medical cannabis patients and registration waivers for state-licensed dispensaries. The bill addresses the conflict between Hawaii's state medical cannabis program and federal law that classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance. By seeking these exemptions, the resolution aims to protect patients from federal prosecution and allow dispensaries to operate legally without violating federal regulations. The measure also requests that the Department of Health provide updates on the status of these federal applications to the Legislature.