Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Card in Hawaii

How Many Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Treatment in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s cannabis laws identify 10 diseases and five symptomatic outcomes as qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana treatment.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Hawaii 2024

The Hawaii Cannabis Registry Program recognizes the following medical conditions as qualifying for its medical marijuana card:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Lupus
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV+)
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

In addition these diseases, the state also recognizes the following conditions as qualifying for medical cannabis use if caused by the progression or treatment of a chronic or debilitating disease:

• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Severe pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures including those presenting with epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms including those presenting with Crohn's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

Does Hawaii Add New Qualifying Conditions to its Medical Marijuana Program?

Yes. When Hawaii first passed its Uniform Controlled Substances Act, it only listed cancer, HIV+, AIDS, and glaucoma (along with the five symptomatic outcomes listed above) as qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. The first addition to the list was PTSD on July 1, 2015 when Act 241 was signed into law. The passage of Act 041, an amendment to the state’s cannabis laws, added lupus, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis on June 29, 2017. ALS was added on December 19, 2017 through a petition process rather than by legislation.

The Hawaii Department of Health calls for and reviews petitions to add new qualifying conditions every year. Physicians and potential qualifying patients can petition the Department to include conditions they deem debilitating. Each petition must provide extensive evidence-based documentation supporting the beneficial use of medical cannabis for a stated medical condition.

Does Hawaii Allow Physicians to Recommend Medical Cannabis for Non-Qualifying Conditions?

No. Physicians cannot recommend medical cannabis for conditions besides the ones identified in the state’s medical cannabis law even if they believe such conditions are chronic or debilitating.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Recommendation for Medical Marijuana in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii requires patients applying for its 329 (medical marijuana) card to provide a written physician certification confirming their diagnosis of at least one of the qualifying conditions required for medical cannabis treatment. Hawaii accepts written medical marijuana certifications from state-licensed:

• Doctors of Medicine (MDs)
• Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (ARPNs)

In addition to having a valid Hawaii Medical or RN license, a certifying health provider must also have a valid Hawaii Controlled Substance License Number. They must also have a bona fide provider-patient relationship with the individual they recommend for medical marijuana use.

Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Hawaii?

Besides a written physician certification attesting that an individual has one of the qualifying conditions, Hawaii has no age or residency restriction for issuing its 329 card. However, minors need the consent of their parents or legal guardians to register in the state’s medical marijuana program. Hawaii issues its medical marijuana card to residents and non-residents. However, a non-resident applying for a 329 card must:

• Have a valid medical cannabis registration card issued by their home state
• Be certified as having one or more of the qualifying conditions recognized in Hawaii
• Be certified in their home state for medical cannabis use because they have one or more of the qualifying conditions recognized in Hawaii