Mental Health, Tobacco Regulation, And Medical Marijuana

The policies introduced at the state level were associated with mental health, tobacco regulation, and medical marijuana. The first bill is HB 1072, which seeks to grant prescriptive authority to psychologists who meet specific education, training, and registration requirements. Supporters include the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawai’i Medical Association (HMSA), and the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawai’i (CDFH). Due to the widespread shortage of mental health professionals in Hawai’i, these supporters believe that granting prescription privileges to licensed clinical psychologists will increase access and treatment for mental health. This can potentially fill the gap that currently exists in mental health services. Those that†¦show more content†¦The Drug Policy Action group and the State of Hawaii Department of Health support this bill since it will increase access to medication. However, both have reservations regarding the administrative im pacts this bill will have on marijuana dispensary operations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) also support this bill. However, the DOT recommends they be included in the commission along with law enforcement due to the potential increase in marijuana-impaired driving that may occur after passing this bill. Those that oppose this bill include the Coalition for a Drug Free Hawai’i (CDFH) and the Department of Public Safety’s Narcotic’s Division (PSD). Due to the PSD’s duty to enforce the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which includes marijuana, they believe they should not be involved in the oversight commission. CDFH opposes the bill due to the lack of research conducted on medical marijuana, which could potentially result in a waste of resources. This bill is stalled and has not been scheduled for another hearing. The final bill is HB 1176, relating to the sale of e-liquids. This bill requires child-resistant containers and warning label s for e-liquids containing nicotine. The Department of Health and the Hawai’i Public Health Institute support this bill to protect children and residents from e-cigarette poisonings, especially when such liquids are offered in