Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Legal (2000) — Limited Adult Use Decrim | 2000 (SB 862) | Decriminalised (2019) — no retail sales | Licensed dispensaries — 8 statewide (capped), medical card required | USD 45-85/eighth | No |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2000 | SB 862 passes — first state to legalise medical cannabis by legislature vote |
| 2013 | Dispensary framework created; implementation delayed for years |
| 2016 | First licensed dispensaries begin operating after lengthy regulatory process |
| 2019 | HB 1383 decriminalises possession of 3g or less — civil fine only |
| 2024 | Dispensary cap remains 8 statewide; reform debate continues in legislature |
How to Access Cannabis in Hawaii
- Obtain a written certification from a Hawaii-licensed physician for a qualifying condition
- Register with the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) medical cannabis programme
- Receive your patient registration card (renewable annually)
- Visit one of the 8 licensed dispensary locations — all on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai
- Patients may possess up to 4oz of usable cannabis
Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- PTSD
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Epilepsy
- Treatment-resistant nausea
Licensed Dispensaries & Providers
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii DOH Medical Cannabis Registry | health.hawaii.gov | Official registry — dispensary list and patient information |
| Maui Grown Therapies | mauigrowntherapies.com | Maui dispensary — medical cannabis retail |
| Aloha Green Apothecary | alohagreen.co | Honolulu dispensary — wide product range |
| Green Aloha | N/A | Hawaii Island dispensary location |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Flower — 1/8 oz (3.5g) | USD 45-85 | No coverage |
| Oil cartridge (0.5g) | USD 40-75 | No coverage |
| Tincture (30ml) | USD 45-80 | No coverage |
| Patient card (annual) | USD 38.50 | Not covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in Hawaii?+
Yes — Hawaii has had a medical cannabis programme since 2000. Eight licensed dispensaries operate statewide on four islands. Personal possession under 3g was decriminalised in 2019.
Can I buy cannabis recreationally in Hawaii?+
No — there are no adult-use dispensaries in Hawaii. Possession of 3g or less is a civil infraction (fine), but there is no legal sales channel for recreational use. Larger quantities remain criminal offences.
How many dispensaries does Hawaii have?+
Eight — the dispensary number is capped by state law. Locations exist on Oahu (Honolulu), Maui, Hawaii Island (Big Island) and Kauai. The cap limits access compared to other legal states.
Can I grow cannabis at home in Hawaii?+
Registered medical patients who cannot reasonably access a dispensary may apply for a home cultivation exemption. Recreational home cultivation is not permitted.
What is the possession limit for Hawaii medical patients?+
Registered medical patients may possess up to 4 ounces of usable cannabis. Unregistered individuals may possess up to 3 grams (civil infraction). Larger unregistered amounts are criminal offences.
Is Hawaii moving towards adult-use legalisation?+
The Hawaii legislature has debated adult-use bills repeatedly. Governor Green has supported legalisation. Progress has been slow but reform advocates expect a bill to pass within the next few years.