Possession Limits

Hawaii permits medical cannabis use with specific possession limits:

• Medical Patients: Can possess up to four ounces (113 grams) of usable cannabis over a 15-day period.
• Recreational Possession: Possession of cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal, although possession of up to three grams is decriminalized, subject to a fine.

Cultivation Laws

Cultivation of cannabis in Hawaii is regulated for medical purposes:

• Home Cultivation: Qualified medical patients can grow up to ten plants at their residence. Plants must be grown in a secure location.
• Licensed Cultivation: Only state-licensed cultivation facilities can legally grow cannabis for medical purposes.

Medical vs. Recreational Use

Medical Use

Hawaii’s medical cannabis program has been in place since 2000:

• Qualifying Conditions: Conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, PTSD, epilepsy, and severe nausea qualify patients for medical cannabis.
• Medical Card: Patients must obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply for a medical cannabis card through the Hawaii Department of Health.
• Purchase Limits: Medical cannabis can be purchased from licensed dispensaries, with specific possession limits for patients.

Recreational Use

Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Hawaii:

• Possession: Possession of up to three grams is decriminalized and subject to a fine. Possession of more than three grams is a criminal offense.
• No Legal Sales: There are no provisions for the legal sale or purchase of recreational cannabis.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of Hawaii’s cannabis laws carry significant penalties:

• Possession Over Limits: Possession of more than three grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. Larger quantities carry more severe penalties.
• Sale and Distribution: Selling or distributing cannabis without a license is a felony offense with severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
• Cultivation: Unauthorized cultivation of cannabis is also a felony, with penalties depending on the number of plants and circumstances.

Recent Updates and Changes

Hawaii continues to monitor and adjust its cannabis regulations:

• Medical Program Expansion: The state periodically reviews and may expand the list of qualifying medical conditions.
• Decriminalization Efforts: Recent efforts have focused on decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis and exploring options for recreational legalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can tourists buy medical cannabis in Hawaii? A: Yes, Hawaii allows visiting qualifying patients to obtain a temporary medical cannabis card to purchase from licensed dispensaries.

Q: Where can I consume medical cannabis in Hawaii? A: Medical cannabis consumption is legal in private residences. Public consumption is prohibited.

Q: How can I get a medical cannabis card in Hawaii? A: Patients must obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply through the Hawaii Department of Health.

Q: Are there any legal limits for transporting cannabis within Hawaii? A: Medical cannabis patients can transport their medication, but it must be in a sealed container and not in a public place.

Conclusion

Hawaii’s cannabis laws are currently focused on medical use, with recent steps towards decriminalization and potential recreational legalization. Staying informed about these laws ensures responsible and legal cannabis use in the state.

Additional Resources

• Hawaii Department of Health – Medical Cannabis Program
• NORML: Hawaii Laws
• Hawaii Office of Medical Cannabis Control & Regulation

By following this guide, you can navigate the cannabis laws in Hawaii confidently and responsibly.