Hawaii Lawmakers File Resolution Urging Congress to Deschedule Marijuana, Expand Expungements and Allow Banking Access
- Hawaii lawmakers introduced Senate Resolution 58 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 64 urging the U.S. Congress to decriminalize marijuana, support expungement of marijuana offenses, and provide banking access for marijuana businesses.
- The resolutions, filed by Senators Joy San Buenaventura and Angus McKelvey, do not change Hawaii law but call on federal action to address ongoing issues from marijuana prohibition.
- The measures specifically request Congress to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, assist states in clearing marijuana-related criminal records, and ensure marijuana-related businesses can access full banking services.
- If passed by Hawaii lawmakers, the resolutions would be sent to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, congressional leaders, and Hawaii's congressional delegation for consideration.
Hawaii lawmakers filed resolutions today urging the U.S. Congress to remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act, support states working to clear records for marijuana offenses, and allow marijuana-related businesses access to the full range of banking services. The proposal was introduced in two forms: Senate Resolution 58 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 64. SR 58 was filed by State Senator Joy San Buenaventura (D) and State Senator Angus McKelvey (D), while SCR 64 was introduced by San Buenaventura (D).
Neither measure would directly change Hawaii law. Instead, they call on Congress to take action in three areas supporters say continue to create problems for states that have adopted marijuana reforms: federal prohibition, expungement support, and banking access for marijuana-related businesses.
Specifically, the proposal states:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the United States Congress is requested to enact legislation to:
(1) Remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act;
(2) Provide support to states that are in the process of clearing defendants’ records of cannabis offenses; and
(3) Facilitate access to the full spectrum of banking services for cannabis-related businesses
If adopted, the resolutions would be transmitted to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, congressional leaders, and each member of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.