Senator Wants Hawaii to Use the Word “Cannabis” Instead of “Marijuana”

State Senator Mike Gabbard says that cannabis is a more fitting term, so he has introduced a bill to change the state’s use of medical marijuana to medical cannabis. The bill is gaining traction in the state’s Legislature. Senate Bill 786 says that marijuana is a slang term and promotes the creation of racial stereotyping.

The Senator argues that the word marijuana was used as the plant became criminalized in the U.S., according to Hawaii Tribune-Herald. In the language of Senate Bill 786, it says that cannabis does not carry the same negative connotations as the word marijuana does and is more accurate. If the bill passes, all legislation in the state that uses the word marijuana would have to be changed.

The bill is now in the hands of the House. Senate Bill 786 is co-sponsored by Senator Russell Ruderman.

Hawaii lawmakers are working on other marijuana-related bills as well. Senate Bill 305, requiring dispensaries to retain video footage for a minimum of 45 days is moving forward. House Bill 263 to create a general excise tax on dispensaries’ gross income is getting a bit more discussion.