We asked Chris about the latest cannabis situation in Hawaii. 2024 Edition
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Thank you Chris for always supplying the ingredients for Shaka brand CBD products.
Hi Chris. Thank you for always supplying raw materials for SHAKA BRAND CBD products.
Hi Chris. Thank you for always supplying raw materials for SHAKA BRAND CBD products.
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
You're welcome, and thank you very much! I think our partnership is a very good one. ShakaBrand's products are designed with solid knowledge, so it is a great honor to build a relationship with them as a supplier of CBD ingredients. Also, I think that the fact that ShakaBrand has a variety of sustainable products, including its popular sunscreen, that contain CBD products will attract attention as more advanced and cutting-edge. We are in a time when more accountability is needed, both in terms of cultural aspects and health functions, so thank you for giving us the opportunity to supply ingredients to Japan.
Yeah, you're welcome. It's an honor. The partnership is very strong, very organic, with your chemistry background, with your biology background, with everything that you've done with the SHAKA brand. It was a really great fix to help partly in the sunscreen wellness component into something a little bit more advanced, a little bit more modern, a little bit more cutting edge as far as health, as far as culture, as far as overall recreations concern. Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
Yeah, you're welcome. It's an honor. The partnership is very strong, very organic, with your chemistry background, with your biology background, with everything that you've done with the SHAKA brand. It was a really great fix to help partly in the sunscreen wellness component into something a little bit more advanced, a little bit more modern, a little bit more cutting edge as far as health, as far as culture, as far as overall recreations concern. Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
So, first of all, what made you decide to start a cannabis business? Can you tell us what prompted you to do so?
We would like to ask a bit about other distributors in the United States. Please tell us what made you decide to start working in the cannabis industry.
We would like to ask a bit about other distributors in the United States. Please tell us what made you decide to start working in the cannabis industry.
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
In the United States, cannabis has been used for a very long time. Of course, there is a cultural aspect, but nowadays, the medical aspect, that is, its function as a medicine, is attracting a lot of attention worldwide. For example, in Europe and the United States, CBD has already been approved as one of the anti-epileptic drugs to suppress the symptoms of intractable epilepsy, and it is also prescribed as medical marijuana for cancer patients to relieve symptoms and increase appetite. In Hawaii, it has been possible to purchase marijuana for medical purposes from licensed sellers since 2017, and the use of marijuana for medical purposes was passed by the state legislature in 2000. The legalization of marijuana for medical purposes in 2000 was the first in the United States, and it shows that Hawaii has been an advanced state in recognizing the usefulness of marijuana. From 2000 to 2017, marijuana use was legal, but marijuana purchase was not. For 17 years, the ambiguous situation of marijuana use being legal and marijuana purchase being illegal continued. Many patients were relying not only on prescribed medical marijuana, but also on unregulated purchases on the black market. Congress has finally taken action, and a bill has been drafted to allow patients who need medical marijuana to purchase it more safely, securely, and easily. I myself have been heavily involved in the drafting of this bill, and have worked with many people to establish a licensing system and establish stores where medical marijuana can be purchased, known as "dispensaries."
In America, we have this saying, it's kind of like, when you call into the radio station you request a call, you say, “long time listener or first time caller?”, right? Cannabis has been around for a long time, and I've been a long-time admirer of the culture of the plant, knowing it more for the medical side, helping with cancer and certain epilepsy, different health elements that kind of plague the United States, but also globally. In 2015, the state of Hawaii started to mobilize towards providing a sensible purchase point for cannabis patients. Going back to 2001, Hawaii was the first state in the nation to legislate medical treatments. Most of the states before had done it through voter recognition, where the individuals come together and they say, “hey, governing body, do you want to make a change?”
In America, we have this saying, it's kind of like, when you call into the radio station you request a call, you say, “long time listener or first time caller?”, right? Cannabis has been around for a long time, and I've been a long-time admirer of the culture of the plant, knowing it more for the medical side, helping with cancer and certain epilepsy, different health elements that kind of plague the United States, but also globally. In 2015, the state of Hawaii started to mobilize towards providing a sensible purchase point for cannabis patients. Going back to 2001, Hawaii was the first state in the nation to legislate medical treatments. Most of the states before had done it through voter recognition, where the individuals come together and they say, “hey, governing body, do you want to make a change?”
I believe there were 106, only 8 of them possibly could have gotten it and of the 8 that did receive the license we consulted on 7 of those applications. Early on, a group that I founded was instrumental in moving the bar forward for patients' rights with respect to medical cannabis. Around that time 2015-16, my dad came down with cancer and I really leaned on it. I was looking at how impactful it could be in just helping him. So it became more of a personal approach for me. I was very involved for the rights of the patients, for the rights of my father just to make sure that he could live another day in comfort, in peace. Fortunately, he survived and I think a lot of that is due in part to cannabis. That's really what pushed me forward.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
So you've been involved for over 15 years. So when did you start Umami Unlimited, your CBD export and sales business?
With 15 years of experience learning, when did you start Umami Unlimited to supply CBD?
With 15 years of experience learning, when did you start Umami Unlimited to supply CBD?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
Umami Unlimited is a project that was launched during the pandemic. In October 2020, Ryo and I discussed the potential of the CBD market in Japan and felt that now was a good time. We saw potential value in the aging society that Japan is facing, the size of the CBD market in the United States, and above all, our relationship as a business partner with Ryo. We thought that by working on the project together, we could properly convey the wonderful usefulness of CBD to the people of Japan.
Umami Unlimited began as a pandemic project. In October of 2020, you and I sat down and we looked at the opportunity of what was happening in Japan as far as CBD acceptance from medicinal capacity. Looking at the aging population of Japan, then recognizing the number of products that were available in the United States that we could, with our relationship between your background and mine that we could really create something that could help the aging population in Japan. Also, trying to provide a little bit of awareness for the business culture of what CBD is. That's yeah 2020 October, yeah?
Umami Unlimited began as a pandemic project. In October of 2020, you and I sat down and we looked at the opportunity of what was happening in Japan as far as CBD acceptance from medicinal capacity. Looking at the aging population of Japan, then recognizing the number of products that were available in the United States that we could, with our relationship between your background and mine that we could really create something that could help the aging population in Japan. Also, trying to provide a little bit of awareness for the business culture of what CBD is. That's yeah 2020 October, yeah?
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Okay, so how is CBD used in the United States?
Yeah. That's right. All right, so how is CBD currently being used in the United States, more focused on CBD?
Yeah. That's right. All right, so how is CBD currently being used in the United States, more focused on CBD?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
CBD can be applied to the skin and taken orally. Oral preparations, often sold as tinctures, have a relaxing effect, such as reducing stress, and an anti-inflammatory effect.
CBD is good for topical application. It's good for edible application. It's good for tincture. It's really used for anti-stress, calmness and pain relief.
CBD is good for topical application. It's good for edible application. It's good for tincture. It's really used for anti-stress, calmness and pain relief.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Okay, so what about THC?
Okay, what about THC?
Okay, what about THC?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
THC has the same effect, but it has an intoxicating effect. It makes you high. It reduces stress by producing a sense of euphoria, and it also has a pain-relieving effect. In a sense, THC is an alternative to alcohol. There are various types of THC, and Delta 8, 7, and 10 are legal, but Delta 9 is illegal.
THC, all of the same things however THC has been associated with some psychotropic experiences. A little bit of altered state of reality. Maybe an extended sense of euphoria, maybe a heightened sense of joy, but also at the same time cutting down on social anxieties, cutting down on pain. At the same time, THC is a wonderful replacement for alcohol. THC is non-habit forming. It's a single molecule. Actually, when we talk about THC, we're talking about THC tri-delta 9, right? And there are many other deltas that are similar to THC but one molecule different, right? We have THC or Delta 8, Delta 7, Delta 10 which are all legal in the United States however they're not Delta 9.
THC, all of the same things however THC has been associated with some psychotropic experiences. A little bit of altered state of reality. Maybe an extended sense of euphoria, maybe a heightened sense of joy, but also at the same time cutting down on social anxieties, cutting down on pain. At the same time, THC is a wonderful replacement for alcohol. THC is non-habit forming. It's a single molecule. Actually, when we talk about THC, we're talking about THC tri-delta 9, right? And there are many other deltas that are similar to THC but one molecule different, right? We have THC or Delta 8, Delta 7, Delta 10 which are all legal in the United States however they're not Delta 9.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Okay. So when do you think recreational marijuana use will be legal in Hawaii?
When do you think that marijuana will be legalized for recreational use in Hawaii?
When do you think that marijuana will be legalized for recreational use in Hawaii?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
That's a very good question. Honestly, I don't know, but I think it should be legalized right away. It's being discussed in the Hawaii State Assembly again this year, but I have no idea what will happen. The bill hasn't been rejected this year, so maybe it will be passed this year. I thought there was about an 80% chance of it being passed last year, so maybe there's a 20% chance this year? Maybe next year? That's how it feels. The bill currently being discussed in the Hawaii State Assembly is a very well-written bill, so maybe? But I'm trying not to get too excited. This bill is based on the recreational marijuana law of Massachusetts, where Boston is located, and is written on the premise that everyone is given the right to use recreational marijuana fairly. However, since political interests are also very involved, I really don't know when it will be passed. When should it be passed? If you ask me, I think it should have been passed many years ago.
Whoa that's a good question. It should be legalized immediately but I don't know. There's this eternal battle at the state legislature. I really don't have a clear picture. There's like a 25% chance that it could this year. I thought that there was an 80% chance last year that it would happen. Right now, there's a really good bill that's put forth in the legislative package. The attorney general drafted it under the commission of the governor but there's nuance to that. While it's a wonderful bill. It's modeled after Massachusetts where Boston is. It's modeled after the state of Massachusetts's recreational adult-use cannabis program. It brings in all kinds of ideas about equity allowing minorities to have a priority when they get the license, really creating a level playing field. It's something that many people should agree on, but there's politics about it. When will it happen? I have no crystal ball. When should it happen? Years ago. Yeah.
Whoa that's a good question. It should be legalized immediately but I don't know. There's this eternal battle at the state legislature. I really don't have a clear picture. There's like a 25% chance that it could this year. I thought that there was an 80% chance last year that it would happen. Right now, there's a really good bill that's put forth in the legislative package. The attorney general drafted it under the commission of the governor but there's nuance to that. While it's a wonderful bill. It's modeled after Massachusetts where Boston is. It's modeled after the state of Massachusetts's recreational adult-use cannabis program. It brings in all kinds of ideas about equity allowing minorities to have a priority when they get the license, really creating a level playing field. It's something that many people should agree on, but there's politics about it. When will it happen? I have no crystal ball. When should it happen? Years ago. Yeah.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
I agree. So, if this bill passes, what impact do you think it will have on Hawaii?
Yeah. I think so. What will be the impact to Hawaii? What kind of change do you think is going to happen if it's legalized for recreational use?
Yeah. I think so. What will be the impact to Hawaii? What kind of change do you think is going to happen if it's legalized for recreational use?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
Yes, there is a strong belief that if the bill is passed, it will lead to fewer tourists from Asia, including Japan. In particular, since cannabis is an illegal drug in Japan, there is a fear that Japanese tourists will stop coming. However, people in the cannabis business will see it as a very good opportunity. I think they see it not only as a business opportunity, but also as a medical and pharmaceutical drug, a recreational drug, and a huge impact on the cultural aspect. If you are told that it is absolutely not allowed, it is natural that some people will wonder, "Why?"
There's this consideration that if it does become legalized, many of our foreign tourists from Asia, from the East will not come. There is a stigma that guests from Japan may stay away because cannabis is so taboo in Japan. But people in the industry don't see it that way. People in the industry see an opportunity where, again, going back to the educational component of what cannabis is, what it can do for you from a business perspective, from a health perspective, from a recreational perspective, from a cultural perspective. And we know that there's a lot of curiosity, especially curiosity that comes from a very staunch abolitionist perspective, one that's puritanical that says, “No, you cannot do this.” Well, if someone tells you you cannot, there's a question of why not?
There's this consideration that if it does become legalized, many of our foreign tourists from Asia, from the East will not come. There is a stigma that guests from Japan may stay away because cannabis is so taboo in Japan. But people in the industry don't see it that way. People in the industry see an opportunity where, again, going back to the educational component of what cannabis is, what it can do for you from a business perspective, from a health perspective, from a recreational perspective, from a cultural perspective. And we know that there's a lot of curiosity, especially curiosity that comes from a very staunch abolitionist perspective, one that's puritanical that says, “No, you cannot do this.” Well, if someone tells you you cannot, there's a question of why not?
On the other hand, why has this debate not been put to an end and no progressive and useful answer has been produced? It can be seen as an opportunity, but there are real rules and social structures. And I think it is because tourists visiting Hawaii also need to understand the correct prior knowledge and procedures. Just as we were able to drink alcohol at the age of 21, we had to learn various things as prior knowledge before that, right? I think there is a procedure and order for things. If you want to enjoy recreational marijuana, you should acquire solid knowledge, and I think that is important for enjoying it properly.
And on the other side, when and why is not answered effectively. Well, if there's an opportunity to come and learn while there's a structure, while there are rules, while there's a protocol that our guests in Hawaii can understand and participate and provide their own perspective to, then it would be a good thing. I think that there's a lot of opportunity and I think that there's a lot of potential enjoyment, a lot more relaxation and really experiencing paradise for what it could be.
And on the other side, when and why is not answered effectively. Well, if there's an opportunity to come and learn while there's a structure, while there are rules, while there's a protocol that our guests in Hawaii can understand and participate and provide their own perspective to, then it would be a good thing. I think that there's a lot of opportunity and I think that there's a lot of potential enjoyment, a lot more relaxation and really experiencing paradise for what it could be.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Great. So going back to CBD, what are some of the popular CBD products in Hawaii?
Okay, nice. What kind of CBD product is really popular in Hawaii like gummies or tincture?
Okay, nice. What kind of CBD product is really popular in Hawaii like gummies or tincture?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
I think it depends on the age group, but I think gummies are popular because they are convenient. I also think products that use ingredients that have been thoroughly analyzed are popular. Since it's something you put into your body, you want to know the sugar and sodium content, and whether it contains food additives. Another popular option are products that you apply directly to the skin. I think products that you can use easily every day, like Tiger Balm, are popular.
It depends which population but I think overall the gummy is probably the most popular. It's something that is lab-tested. You know the health benefit of it. You know the nutrition of what's going into it, how much sugar, how much sodium, what additives if any are going into this product and there's tracing of where it was made, how it was made and what other products have gone into it. There's a lot of safety in that from an edible component. Additionally from a health perspective, a topical perspective, the salve is a really good thing. It's kind of like Tiger Balm but with CBD and I use that almost daily. It's super good.
It depends which population but I think overall the gummy is probably the most popular. It's something that is lab-tested. You know the health benefit of it. You know the nutrition of what's going into it, how much sugar, how much sodium, what additives if any are going into this product and there's tracing of where it was made, how it was made and what other products have gone into it. There's a lot of safety in that from an edible component. Additionally from a health perspective, a topical perspective, the salve is a really good thing. It's kind of like Tiger Balm but with CBD and I use that almost daily. It's super good.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Haha, it's Shaka ham!
Nice. Like SHAKA brand?
Nice. Like SHAKA brand?
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
Shaka brand CBD. Oh yeah, I have hay fever, and I always use Shaka brand tincture for my hay fever. You might think it's hay fever in Hawaii, but in Hawaii, some people have allergy symptoms in the early spring, such as mango pollen. I've been using Shaka tincture for the past three years since it was released.
SHAKA brand CBD. I'll also say this, for my hay fever, I take SHAKA brand tincture and for the last three years, no issue with my SHAKA brand tincture and allergy or I'm sorry hay fever.
SHAKA brand CBD. I'll also say this, for my hay fever, I take SHAKA brand tincture and for the last three years, no issue with my SHAKA brand tincture and allergy or I'm sorry hay fever.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Hay fever in Hawaii? That's amazing! There are a lot of people in Japan who suffer from hay fever.
Hay fever. That's huge.
Hay fever. That's huge.
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
I feel great. The flavor is also good with the unique aroma of cannabis. I think Ryo has skillfully blended the terpenes and other ingredients. Also, I have a friend who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016. He had never smoked and was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4, but he overcame cancer by taking an oil called RSO "Rick Simpson Oil" among cannabis. He attended my wedding in 2021 and was very active in 2022. However, in 2023, the cancer recurred. I recommended Shaka brand tincture to him. And fortunately, he was able to overcome cancer again.
It's super good. And the flavor is so neutral. As a formulation specialist, you've done an incredible job with this so thank you. Also, there is a marijuana, cannabis patient diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 and never smoked a single day in his life. Stage 4 suddenly, lungs. He was taking this cannabis product called RSO, Rick Simpson Oil, and it killed the cancer. Here he is, 2021, comes to my wedding, 2022, living his best life. 2023, cancer comes back. He's been taking the RSO so long that maybe it's effective, maybe it's not. I suggested that he try the SHAKA brand CBD tincture. And after using this religiously, no issue whatsoever, suddenly the cancer gone. Really a testament to what CBD can do and to what you've created. Thank you again.
It's super good. And the flavor is so neutral. As a formulation specialist, you've done an incredible job with this so thank you. Also, there is a marijuana, cannabis patient diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 and never smoked a single day in his life. Stage 4 suddenly, lungs. He was taking this cannabis product called RSO, Rick Simpson Oil, and it killed the cancer. Here he is, 2021, comes to my wedding, 2022, living his best life. 2023, cancer comes back. He's been taking the RSO so long that maybe it's effective, maybe it's not. I suggested that he try the SHAKA brand CBD tincture. And after using this religiously, no issue whatsoever, suddenly the cancer gone. Really a testament to what CBD can do and to what you've created. Thank you again.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
It's broad spectrum CBD that contains a variety of terpenes. So what do you think the role of cannabis will be in the future?
Lots of good terpenes in there. Okay, so finally, please tell us about the ideal features of cannabis in your opinion.
Lots of good terpenes in there. Okay, so finally, please tell us about the ideal features of cannabis in your opinion.
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
I think there are a lot of options for CBD. I think the same is true for cannabis. This is my idea, but a "cannabis bar." I think a cannabis-only bar that doesn't serve alcohol would be interesting. It would be a place that mixes cannabis and CBD and serves cocktail-like drinks. And a service that provides a relaxing space where you can watch movies, listen to music, or watch comedy. I think it would be interesting to have a bar that mainly serves cannabis.
When it comes to CBD, there are so many. When it comes to hemp, there are so many. When it comes to cannabis, there are so many. One of my favorite ideas is a consumption bar where you can go and there's no alcohol, but you can have cannabis-infused drink. You can have CBD-infused drink. You can watch a movie all together. You can listen to music. You can dance. You can listen to comedy. I would love to see a consumption bar. I would love to see consumption tours. I would love to see our guests in Hawaii walking through fields of cannabis under gigantic cola buds. If you've never seen a cola bud outside in a forest of other cannabis trees, it's amazing. It's just walking through a full sensory experience from sight to smell to touch to the way that the wind whispers through the majestic seven-point leaf of the cannabis plant. It's really profound.
When it comes to CBD, there are so many. When it comes to hemp, there are so many. When it comes to cannabis, there are so many. One of my favorite ideas is a consumption bar where you can go and there's no alcohol, but you can have cannabis-infused drink. You can have CBD-infused drink. You can watch a movie all together. You can listen to music. You can dance. You can listen to comedy. I would love to see a consumption bar. I would love to see consumption tours. I would love to see our guests in Hawaii walking through fields of cannabis under gigantic cola buds. If you've never seen a cola bud outside in a forest of other cannabis trees, it's amazing. It's just walking through a full sensory experience from sight to smell to touch to the way that the wind whispers through the majestic seven-point leaf of the cannabis plant. It's really profound.
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
It is amazing.
Thank you. Cool.
Thank you. Cool.
Chris (Hawaii CBD Business Owner)
Also, as you've done research and development on food, I think gourmet foods using CBD and THC are interesting. There are some that use cannabis instead of hops, which is the raw material for beer. You can enjoy the so-called hoppy aroma of cannabis, like an IPA beer. Hops are flower buds, so they contain a lot of ingredients similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis. Food ingredients similar to cannabis have been used for a long time without you knowing. So, if you combine this with the hospitality of the Hawaiian people, I think there will be a lot of things that can be done using cannabis in the future.
At the same time, as a food scientist or former food scientist, you can appreciate the gourmet perspective of what CBD and THC dinners could actually provide. You know when you have a good hoppy IPA beer, those hops also contain cannabinoids, some of the same molecular structure that is in the bud of the cannabis plant. So similar and so much synergy and what can be done with this plant and hospitality that's already so pervasive in Hawaii's culture. Yeah?
At the same time, as a food scientist or former food scientist, you can appreciate the gourmet perspective of what CBD and THC dinners could actually provide. You know when you have a good hoppy IPA beer, those hops also contain cannabinoids, some of the same molecular structure that is in the bud of the cannabis plant. So similar and so much synergy and what can be done with this plant and hospitality that's already so pervasive in Hawaii's culture. Yeah?
Shaka Brand Hawaii (Manufacturer)
Sounds good.
Alright sounds good.
Alright sounds good.
