Hawaii House Bill 600, introduced by State Representatives Diamond Garcia (R) and Gene Ward (R), cleared its first hurdle today, passing its initial reading in the state’s House of Representatives.
This legislative proposal focuses on refining regulations for the medical use of marijuana, including addressing qualifying out-of-state patients and allowing for telemedicine appointments.
The bill would simplify access for non-resident patients by removing current registration requirements for those who are already authorized for medical marijuana use in other U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia. Additionally, the legislation proposes to eliminate the fees previously imposed by the Department of Health for medical cannabis registration certificates. By easing these restrictions, the bill aims to create a more seamless process for visiting patients, including enabling them to access medical cannabis without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
House Bill 600 also permits physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to issue medical cannabis treatment recommendations via telehealth, expanding patient access to medical consultations.
Today’s first reading approval marks an important step forward for this legislation, with further committee hearings and reviews expected in the coming weeks.
