Governor Ige permitted House Bill 1383 to become law absent his signature. It eliminated criminal penalties for activities involving the possession of up to three grams of marijuana. It also provides procedures for the courts to grant an expungement order for those previously convicted of a marijuana possession offense involving no more than three grams. (Link) 2019

The Governor vetoed legislation, House Bill 290, which sought to authorize qualifying patients to transport medical cannabis between islands. He opined: “Marijuana, including medical cannabis, remains illegal under federal law. Both the airspace and certain areas of water fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government. This bill may lead travelers, acting in reliance on this provision, to erroneously believe they are immune from federal prosecution.” (Link) 2019

In 2019, Governor Ige continued to express skepticism toward the subject of further liberalizing marijuana policies. He favors waiting to see how other states address the issue. Hawaii “can benefit from not being at the head of the table.” (Link) 2019

"I support the establishment of dispensaries to ensure that qualified patients can legally and safely access medical marijuana." (7/15/15) http://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/news-release-governor-ige-signs-medical-marijuana-bill-into-law/

Q: Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
A: No.
(11/1/12) http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/David_Ige_Drugs.htm