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SCR 64

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REMOVE CANNABIS FROM THE FEDERAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT, PROVIDE SUPPORT TO STATES THAT ARE CLEARING DEFENDANTS' RECORDS OF CANNABIS OFFENSES, AND FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE FULL SPECTRUM OF BANKING SERVICES FOR CANNABIS-RELATED BUSINESSES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joy San Buenaventura

Hawaii requests Congress remove cannabis from federal drug scheduling, support record expungement, and enable banking access for cannabis businesses.

Referred to JDC.
#cannabis #controlledsubstancesact #unitedstatescongress
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Bill Summary · SCR 64

Legislative bill overview

SCR 64 is a concurrent resolution from Hawaii requesting that Congress remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act (Schedule I), support states in expunging cannabis-related criminal convictions, and enable banking access for cannabis businesses. The resolution does not create state law itself but serves as an official request to the federal government to change its cannabis policy.

Why is this important

This addresses a fundamental conflict between federal and state law: Hawaii and many states have legalized cannabis, but federal prohibition prevents cannabis businesses from accessing traditional banking, creating cash-intensive operations vulnerable to crime and tax evasion. Additionally, thousands of individuals carry criminal records for conduct now legal in their states, creating employment and housing barriers. The resolution reflects growing momentum among states to pressure federal policy alignment with their own cannabis regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority questions: Some argue Congress should maintain uniform drug scheduling authority rather than deferring to state-by-state legalization
  • Public health concerns: Opponents may cite concerns about increased access, youth use, impaired driving, and workplace safety despite legalization
  • Banking industry implications: Financial institutions currently avoid cannabis businesses due to federal money laundering risks; removing federal prohibition would fundamentally reshape banking regulations and compliance requirements
  • Criminal justice scope: Disagreement over whether all prior cannabis convictions warrant expungement, or if distinctions should be made based on offense severity or other factors

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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