Bill > HB302

This bill addresses several aspects of medical cannabis regulation in Hawaii, with key provisions spanning multiple areas. The bill authorizes the Department of Health to inspect medical records of qualifying patients, expands the definition of qualifying patients to include those with chronic conditions or receiving hospice care, and clarifies conditions for medical cannabis use. It allows for establishing physician-patient relationships via telehealth and limits certification fees. The bill permits medical cannabis dispensaries to sell hemp products and accessories, and clarifies inter-dispensary cannabis transportation requirements. Additionally, the bill establishes criminal penalties for unlicensed cannabis dispensary operations, with potential class C felony charges for operating without a license. The legislation also authorizes expenditures from the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to mitigate nuisances related to illegal cannabis products, and appropriates $750,000 to the Attorney General's office to enforce these regulations and hire investigative positions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill will prohibit cannabis cultivation without a specific license issued by the Department of Health. Underlying these changes is a legislative finding that the medical cannabis program has seen declining patient registration, potentially due to administrative barriers and competition from the illicit market.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=302&year=2025