STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2990

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2408

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2408, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Allow terminally ill patients and qualifying patients over sixty-five years of age with chronic diseases to use medical cannabis within specified health care facilities under certain conditions; and

(2) Require enforcement by the Department of Health.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Cannabis Industry Association and two individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hawaiʻi Alliance for Cannabis Reform, and Hina Mauka.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that for terminally ill patients and qualifying older adults with chronic diseases, medical cannabis can be a necessary treatment to manage pain, nausea, appetite loss, anxiety, and other serious symptoms when conventional medications have failed or produced intolerable side effects. However, these patients face significant barriers, administrative delays, and burdensome restrictions to obtain and use medical cannabis within health care facilities throughout the State. This measure will prioritize patient-centered health care for these patients while providing legal clarity for health care facilities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2408, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair