summary
Introduced
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
05/08/2026
05/08/2026
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prohibits persons from operating a medical cannabis dispensary or cultivating cannabis without a license from the Department of Health. Prohibits individuals from providing certain services to individuals engaging in unlicensed cannabis operations. Requires the Department of Health to send a cease and desist notice to violators. Establishes criminal penalties. Establishes an affirmative defense for, and a conclusive basis for certain violations. Establishes exceptions. Establishes a cannabis cultivator license to authorize the cultivation and distribution of cannabis plants. Requires the Department of Health to only issue one cannabis cultivator license for each person. Establishes limits on: (1) the number of cannabis cultivator licenses the Department of Health may issue; (2) the maximum size of plant canopy for indoor and outdoor cultivations for each cannabis cultivator license; and (3) the maximum plant count of mature cannabis plants for each cannabis cultivator license. Authorizes expenditures from the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to fund programs for the mitigation and abatement of nuisances relating to chapter 329D, HRS. Appropriates funds out of the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund for the Department of Attorney General to enforce, and mitigate nuisances relating to, chapter 329D, HRS. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)
AI Summary
This bill establishes stricter regulations for medical cannabis operations in Hawaii by creating new criminal penalties and licensing requirements. It makes it illegal to operate a medical cannabis dispensary or cultivate cannabis without a license from the Department of Health, with violations classified as a class C felony. The bill prohibits search platforms, web hosting services, and social media platforms from advertising sales by unlicensed cannabis businesses, though there is an affirmative defense if the platform reasonably relied on what appeared to be a valid license. The bill limits the number of cannabis cultivator licenses that can be issued, sets maximum plant canopy sizes for indoor and outdoor cultivation, and requires the Department of Health to issue only one cultivator license per person. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to allow the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to be used for mitigating cannabis-related nuisances and appropriates funds for the Department of Attorney General to enforce cannabis regulations. The bill also places a cap on fees that physicians can charge for issuing medical cannabis certifications and ensures that all current active medical cannabis permits will be honored through their expiration date. The law is set to take effect on December 31, 2050.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. (on 12/08/2025)
Bill Topics
Health
- ‐ Regulation of Doctors and Health Facilities
- ‐ Regulation of Drug Industry and Pharmacies
- ‐ Regulation of Health-Related Occupations and Services
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Illegal Drugs and Narcotics Control
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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