{"id":372891,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:06","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-marijuana-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-07-22T11:35:54","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T16:35:54","slug":"hawaii-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-marijuana-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hawaii Marijuana Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Maui Waui\/Maui Wowie is a popular strain of marijuana synonymous with Hawaii since it first appeared in the 1960s. But that doesn’t mean you can run to a local dispensary and grab an ounce or two. Despite being the first state to legalize medical cannabis<\/a>, recreational marijuana remains unavailable for purchase and, in amounts over 3 grams, a crime to have.<\/p>\r\n

Adult-use cannabis legalization remains a contentious topic in the Hawaii state legislature. While separate bills to further decriminalize possession of marijuana and permit the sale of marijuana products for recreational use have been passed by the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives, as of May 2024, nothing has become part of Hawaii cannabis law<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If marijuana use is part of your life, it’s a good idea to understand how Hawaii’s cannabis laws work. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of Hawaii’s medical cannabis program, what’s involved with becoming a qualified patient, and what amounts of marijuana are legal to possess. We’ll also touch on other important aspects.<\/p>\r\n

Marijuana and Hawaii Law<\/h2>\r\n

The Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation<\/a> (OMCCR), part of the Department of Health, oversees the medical marijuana program in the state of Hawaii. Qualified patients can buy cannabis products such as flower, edibles, and cartridges for vaping from a licensed medical cannabis dispensary<\/a>. They must get a Hawaii 329 Medical Cannabis Card.<\/p>\r\n

To get the 329 card to buy medical marijuana products, patients must get approval from the OMCCR and added to the state medical marijuana registry<\/a>. You can do much of the registration for a 329 card online<\/a>, but your completed application will also need a physician’s certification.<\/p>\r\n

Pro-legalization advocates are quick to argue that 3 grams is a small amount and out of step with compatible laws in other states. Possession of amounts more than 3 grams and up to an ounce is a petty misdemeanor and carries the risk of up to 30 days in jail and a fine.<\/p>\r\n

Governor Josh Green signed HB 1595<\/a> in June 2024. In the bill, Hawaii lawmakers set up a pilot program in Hawaii County to provide expungements<\/a> of certain marijuana arrest records.<\/p>\r\n

The regulatory laws surrounding marijuana use in Hawaii are in a constant state of flux. If you run into trouble with law enforcement and aren’t sure about current Hawaii cannabis laws, contact a Hawaii criminal defense attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Hawaii Medical Marijuana Laws<\/h2>\r\n

The Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation<\/a> (OMCCR), part of the Department of Health, oversees the medical marijuana program in Hawaii. Qualified patients can purchase cannabis products such as flower, edibles, and cartridges for vaping from a licensed medical cannabis dispensary<\/a>. They must get a Hawaii 329 Medical Cannabis Card.<\/p>\r\n

To get the 329 card to purchase medical marijuana products, patients must be approved by the OMCCR and added to the state medical marijuana registry<\/a>. You can do much of the registration for a 329 card<\/a> online, but your completed application will also need a physician’s certification.<\/p>\r\n

This handy guide<\/a> offers a step-by-step explanation of what you’ll need to do. Note that out-of-state visitors can apply for a temporary 329 card as well.<\/p>\r\n

Fill out the application and bring it when you meet with your health care provider. Physicians can prescribe medical marijuana if you are suffering from one or more of the following conditions:<\/p>\r\n