History of Marijuana in Hawaii
In 2000, Act 228 was signed into law by Governor Cayetano, making Hawaii the 8th state to legalize medical cannabis for medical marijuana cardholders. With the signing of this law, Hawaii became the 1st state to legalize medical cannabis through a legislative act. Although this Act allowed cardholders or their designated caregivers to cultivate their own cannabis, it did not establish any provisions for a legal market nor creation of dispensaries.
Those granted a valid Medical Marijuana Registry Card issued by the Hawaii Department of Health are allowed to grow up to ten (10) plants, with no more than four (4) mature and flowering, at any given time for personal use. All plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space that is not visible to the public.
Fortunately, in July 2015, Act 241 was signed into law, which permitted the Hawaii Department of Health to begin administering the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program in 2016, so dispensaries could begin selling and delivering medical cannabis and cannabis products.
Since 2021, the state legislature has made numerous attempts to pass a cannabis legalization bill. On March 16th, 2023, SB 669 was the last cannabis legalization bill standing, however it failed to receive a hearing before the legislative deadline. This is the 2nd time the legalization bill unanimously passed in the Senate but failed to even receive a hearing in the House.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Hawaii
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Lupus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injuries and diseases
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
Applications for Marijuana Business Licenses in Hawaii
Presently, Hawaii ‘s vertically integrated medical marijuana business license, Medical Marijuana Dispensary, application period closed in 2016.
Since 2021, there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts by the state legislature to implement an adult-use marijuana program in the “Aloha State.” However, advocates are setting their goals to see legalization in Hawaii by 2024. Now is the time to work with a Team of experts to begin strategizing your competitive business plan. Contact us today to discuss your options!
Contact a Hawaii Marijuana Business License Consultant
For those interested in joining Hawaii’s billion-dollar cannabis market, now is the time to work with a Team of Hawaii cannabis business consultants to prepare to apply. Contact us today to discuss your options!
Last Updated: July 10th, 2023