D4DPR (formerly DFCR) President Dr. Bryon Adinoff submitted the following testimony in support (with amendments) of this bill. The legislature's website describes this bill which "establishes the Hawaii Cannabis Authority within the Department of Health to adopt rules to regulate responsible, adult-use of cannabis in the State. Establishes that possession of cannabis by an adult in the amount of four ounces or less without a prescription shall be lawful and requires all convictions for such acts be expunged. Transfers the powers and duties of the Department of Health under state law governing medical cannabis dispensary system, including powers and duties over medical marijuana dispensary operations, licensing, testing, and administration, to the Hawaii cannabis authority. Appropriates funds."
Bryon Adinoff, MD is an addiction psychiatrist, neuroscientist, academician, and advocate. He was appointed Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine following his retirement as Distinguished Professor of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and as a psychiatrist for 30 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has published over 200 papers and book chapters on the neurobiology and treatment of addiction and is Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. In his semi-retired status, he has evolved from focusing on the consequences of substance use itself to the consequences of drug prohibition. His commitment to the goals of D4DPR arises from his desire to ensure that the devastating effects of the global drug war are replaced by a science-based, compassionate, and just system that protects both the individual and society.