The Hawaii Legislature has given final approval to a bill that would expand and strengthen the state’s medical marijuana program, sending it to Governor Josh Green for consideration.
Senate Bill 1429 includes several major changes to Hawaii’s medical cannabis laws. Chief among them is the repeal of a prohibition on cultivation by primary caregivers, once again allowing them to grow cannabis on behalf of registered patients. This was allowed until January 1, 2025, when a temporary law expired. The bill also increases the number of patients a caregiver can assist from one to five.
Additionally, the measure extends for two years the temporary rules adopted by the Department of Health for the dispensary program and gives the department four more years to operate outside standard civil service hiring requirements for positions related to medical cannabis regulation.
Lawmakers also empowered the Department of Health to issue penalties and take enforcement action against violations of the state’s medical marijuana laws.
The bill now awaits action by Governor Green, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.
