Bill > HB1482

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for manufactured hemp products in Hawaii, focusing on creating a mandatory registration system for distributors and retailers starting January 1, 2026. Beginning on that date, all manufactured hemp product distributors and retailers must obtain a certificate of registration from the Department of Health (DOH), which involves submitting an application, paying a $50 fee, and renewing the certificate every five years. The bill defines specific requirements for registration, including displaying the certificate prominently at business locations and online. It introduces new legal provisions that make unlawful hemp distribution a misdemeanor (escalating to a felony for repeat offenders), grants DOH and the attorney general inspection authority to verify compliance, and allows for the seizure and confiscation of non-compliant hemp products. The legislation also restricts the sale of hemp tinctures to individuals 21 and older, mandating age verification for sales and establishing fines for violations. Additionally, the bill empowers the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation to administer the hemp processors program, allows the Hawaii Hemp Processing Special Fund to support registration efforts, and treats unauthorized hemp distribution as a public nuisance subject to legal abatement. These measures aim to create a more structured and accountable system for hemp product sales in Hawaii, prioritizing consumer safety and regulatory oversight.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1482&year=2025