Hawaii Marijuana Information & FAQ

The Hawaii Department of Health’s Harm Reduction Services Branch has administered the Medical Marijuana Registry Program since it was transferred from the Hawaii Department of Public Safety on January 1, 2015. Hawaii law requires all qualified patients to be registered with the Medical Marijuana Registry Program before they begin to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. The registration process begins when an appropriately licensed physician certifies that the patient has a health condition that can benefit from medical marijuana. The patient is registered when the Department of Health issues a 329 Registration Card. The department’s goal is to issue the patient’s 329 Registration Card in a timely manner so that patients can begin or continue to legally use medical marijuana. The Department of Health is also required to provide law enforcement officials with limited access to the Medical Marijuana Registry Program’s data base as a tool to safeguard the community against illegal marijuana use and/or illegal marijuana grow sites.
01. What medical conditions will qualify a patient for medical marijuana?
The approved medical conditions for Hawaii's medical marijuana program include: cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, multiple scelorsis, Crohn's Disease, epilepsy, severe muscle spasms, severe nausea, severe pain, cachexia, muscle spasms, and additional conditions pursuant to the request of a physician and approved by the Department of Health.
02. What documentation do I need from the recommending physician to provide with my application?
Application forms are only provided to and filled out by physicians participating in the medical marijuana program. It is based on the medical examination of the patient.
03. Who can write a medical marijuana certification for a patient?
A physician must be licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in Hawaii. The physician must also be registered to prescribe drugs including medical marijuana.
04. How much will it cost to apply for a registry identification card?
There is a $25 registration fee.
05. Can minors register in the program?
Yes, minors can be registered in the program if the parent or legal guardian has consented to the use of medical marijuana and the parent or legal guardian must serve as the primary caregiver.
06. What is the possession limit?
The possession limit is a total of three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants, and one ounce of usable marijuana per each mature plant
07. Is registration optional or mandatory?
To be covered under the Hawaii Medical Marijuana Law, a patient must have an active registration.
08. Does the state honor other states' registries?
No, Hawaii has no reciprocity agreements with other states.
09. Can I choose any dispensary or do I have to designate a specific one?
Hawaii has no dispensary, collective or cooperative marijuana program. Registered patients can cultivate their own marijuana plants. The sale or distribution of marijuana is prohibited.
10. Can a physician revoke a patient's written certification?
A physician is required to re-certify a patient after one year through the application process.
11. How do I renew my card?
A physician is required to re-certify a patient after one year through the application process.
12. What happens if I lose my card?
Hawaii does not outline a process for lost or stolen cards. Please contact medicalmarijuana@doh.hawaii.gov for information
13. How does the state law work with federal laws?
It is important to recognize that these state marijuana laws do not change the fact that using marijuana continues to be an offense under Federal law.
14. How can I become a designated caregiver?
A caregiver must be designated by a registered patient. Caregivers also have to register with the Department of Public Safety and are limited to be a caregiver to a single patient. Registered physicians also provide and submit the caregiver application.
15. If I am a designated caregiver, can I grow marijuana?
Yes, designated caregivers can cultivate marijuana within possession limits with the sole purpose to provide it to the registered patient.
16. Can I be both a qualifying patient and a designated caregiver?
There are no restrictions for caregivers from being able to also register as a qualifying patient outlined in the law, however, possession limits per person still apply.
17. How do dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives work?
Hawaii has no dispensary, collective or cooperative marijuana program. Registered patients can cultivate their own marijuana plants. The sale or distribution of marijuana is prohibited.
18. How many dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives are allowed?
Hawaii has no dispensary, collective or cooperative marijuana program. Registered patients can cultivate their own marijuana plants. The sale or distribution of marijuana is prohibited.
19. Who can cultivate marijuana?
Only registered patients or a qualified and registered caregiver can cultivate marijuana for the use by the registered patient only.
20. What rules apply to cultivation facilities?
Since only registered patients or qualified caregivers can cultivate, the possession limits apply. Cultivation is prohibited in public places and is limited to a patient's or caregiver's home.

Click Here to Visit HI Program Website
LEARN MORE ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN YOUR STATE