Hawaii Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Resolution Urging Congress to Deschedule Marijuana, Expand Expungements and Allow Banking Access
- Hawaii’s Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Senate Resolution 58, urging Congress to deschedule cannabis, facilitate expungements, and allow cannabis banking.
- The resolution, introduced by Senators Joy San Buenaventura and Angus McKelvey, was passed with minor, unspecified amendments and does not change state law.
- The proposal calls for removing marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act, supporting marijuana-related record expungements, and improving banking access for cannabis businesses.
- If fully adopted, the resolution will be sent to President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, congressional leaders, and Hawaii’s congressional delegation to encourage federal action.
Hawaii’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5 to 0 today to approve a resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to deschedule cannabis, facilitate expungements and allow cannabis banking.
The measure, Senate Resolution 58, was introduced by State Senator Joy San Buenaventura (D) and State Senator Angus McKelvey (D), alongside a companion proposal, Senate Concurrent Resolution 64, also introduced by San Buenaventura. According to legislative records, the resolution was approved with minor amendments, although the specific changes have not yet been detailed publicly.
The resolution does not alter Hawaii law. Instead, it formally urges federal lawmakers to take action in three key areas that supporters say continue to create challenges for states that have legalized marijuana in some form.
The proposal calls on Congress to remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which would end its classification as a prohibited substance under federal law. It also urges federal support for states working to clear or expunge records tied to marijuana-related offenses, an issue that has gained increased attention as legalization expands.
In addition, the resolution asks Congress to ensure marijuana-related businesses have access to the full range of banking services, something that remains limited due to federal restrictions. Advocates argue that the lack of banking access forces many businesses to operate in cash, creating safety and regulatory concerns.
If adopted by the full legislature, the resolution would be transmitted to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, congressional leadership, and each member of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.