Bill > SB1069

This bill addresses medical cannabis access in Hawaii by making two key changes to existing law. First, it eliminates the requirement that a provider-patient relationship must be established through an in-person consultation, allowing telehealth consultations to be fully valid for medical cannabis certification. Second, the bill enables applicants and primary caregivers to make a temporary one-time purchase of medical cannabis after submitting their certification form, before receiving their official registration from the Department of Health. This temporary purchase is limited to 50% of the standard dispensing limits. The legislative findings indicate that these changes are intended to address declining medical cannabis patient registration, reduce barriers to accessing medical cannabis, and prevent patients from turning to the illicit market. The bill was motivated by data showing a 15% decrease in registered medical cannabis patients since August 2021, which lawmakers believe is due to difficulties in registration and access. By facilitating easier telehealth consultations and providing a temporary purchasing option, the bill aims to expand patient access to medical cannabis while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1069&year=2026