Arrested Hawaii Medical Marijuana Collective Owner Launches Fundraising Campaign
Big Island man Mike Ruggles launched a crowdfunding campaign this week to help pay for legal fees after being arrested for opening Hawaii’s first medical marijuana collective. Ruggles says this is an opportunity to help set legal precedence to establish medical marijuana collectives in Hawaii. “The collective was the first way for sick people to acquire their doctor recommended medicine since the program started 15 years ago. It doesn’t make sense that they’re trying to throw the only person doing this legally in prison.” – Mike Ruggles Ruggles had …
Hawaiian Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Given Approval To Advance To Senate
The members of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee recommended the passage of Hawaii’s Senate Bill 472 by a 5-0 vote. The marijuana decriminalization bill aims to reduce the offense for a minor possession of cannabis to a non-criminal, $1000 fine-only offense. Under current law, possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for non-medical purposes is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A separate bill that would have legalized cannabis in Hawaii died in the House earlier this month. This is despite the fact that a …