The Hawaii Legislature has given final approval to a comprehensive bill that would significantly expand access to medical marijuana while cracking down on unlicensed cannabis operations.
The measure now heads to Governor Josh Green following a concurrence vote by the House and Senate on Tuesday.
House Bill 302 received overwhelming support in both chambers, passing the Senate in a 24 to 1 vote and receiving the House’s agreement on Senate amendments shortly after. The legislation would eliminate Hawaii’s current list of qualifying medical conditions, allowing physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to recommend marijuana for any condition they deem appropriate.
In addition to broadening patient access, the bill would authorize the use of telehealth for medical marijuana certifications, a change proponents say will improve access for patients in rural and neighbor island communities.
HB 302 also includes new enforcement tools aimed at curbing the state’s unregulated cannabis market. The Department of Health would gain the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders, while the Attorney General’s Office would be empowered to take legal action against unlicensed operators. The bill establishes a formal licensing framework for cultivators and bars any dispensary from operating without state approval.
While the measure has drawn praise from medical marijuana advocates, some state officials and dispensary operators have raised concerns about enforcement costs and the potential for market saturation.
If signed by Governor Green, HB 302 will represent the most substantial update to Hawaii’s medical marijuana laws in years.
