Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano was expected to sign a law protecting seriously ill patients who grow, possess and use marijuana from being arrested. Hawaii thus becomes the first state in the nation to enact a medical marijuana law crafted by state lawmakers. SB 862 cleared both houses of the state legislature in April. Five other states in the country have similar laws enacted through ballot initiatives. California, in 1996, was the first to remove criminal penalties for the medical use of marijuana. Alabama, Washington, Oregon and Maine followed suit. Advocates for the medical use of marijuana praised Hawaii lawmakers and Gov. Cayetano for standing up for patients. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.