Hawaii
CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR HAWAII
Medical marijuana remains legal in Hawaii as of 2024, with the state’s program continuing to evolve. The Hawaii Department of Health oversees the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program, ensuring patient access while prioritizing public safety. Dispensaries, which began operating in 2017, can grow, process, and sell cannabis products to qualified patients with valid 329 registration cards.
As of April 5, 2024, new interim rules (Chapter 11-850, HAR) for dispensaries have taken effect. These licensed facilities must adhere to strict regulations, including seed-to-sale monitoring of cannabis products. Currently, there are retail dispensary locations across the islands, though the exact number of licenses hasn’t changed since the initial eight were issued.
Patients and caregivers can collectively possess up to four ounces of processed marijuana and cultivate a total of 10 plants. However, it’s crucial to note that after December 31, 2023, caregivers are generally no longer permitted to cultivate cannabis for patients, with some exceptions for specific circumstances.
Hawaii has also implemented measures to protect medical cannabis patients from discrimination in areas such as education, housing, medical care, and child custody. The state allows out-of-state patients to participate in the program for limited periods, further expanding access.
While the medical cannabis industry in Hawaii continues to operate under these regulations, any significant expansion or changes to the program would likely depend on future legislation, particularly regarding adult-use cannabis.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN HAWAII
Hawaii has a long history with cannabis, dating back to the 1800s when it was used as a cash crop. However, in recent decades, the state has taken a more conservative approach to cannabis policy.
In 2000, Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical cannabis through legislation, allowing qualified patients to purchase and possess medical cannabis for certain conditions. Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in Hawaii have so far been unsuccessful. However, there have been ongoing discussions and efforts to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis, and to create a regulatory framework for recreational cannabis use in the state.
In addition to its medical cannabis program, Hawaii has also established a hemp pilot program to explore the potential benefits of industrial hemp.
Overall, Hawaii’s cannabis policy remains limited, with only medical cannabis legal in the state. While there have been some recent efforts to expand access to medical cannabis, ongoing concerns about access and affordability suggest that there is still significant work to be done to ensure that patients have access to the care they need.