Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program enables patients and caregivers to apply for medical marijuana identification cards. Both patients and caregivers must be legal Hawaii residents. Hawaii refers to its medical marijuana card as 329 Registration Card.
Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Hawaii?
While Hawaii only accepts MMJ card applications from adults over 18 years old, minors may also access medical marijuana as long as:
- The minor and their parents are Hawaii residents;
- The minor suffers from one of the state's qualifying health conditions;
- One or both parents are willing to act as caregivers for the minor. If neither can function as caregivers, they must nominate someone who will.
If you want to get a medical marijuana card in Hawaii, you must be dealing with one of the state-recognized debilitating medical conditions. If you apply for a medical marijuana card and list a condition that does not qualify for marijuana treatment, the DOH will deny your application. The approved list of medical conditions include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS (Positive Status)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Crohn's Disease
- Lupus
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Individuals can also apply for MMJ cards in Hawaii if they suffer from chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions that produce any of the following:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those induced by multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Hawaii in 2024?
The Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program accepts applications for medical marijuana cards from individuals with any of the qualifying health conditions. The application process for a 329 card (a medical marijuana identification card) is relatively straightforward, and the steps are as follows:
- Meet with your medical provider: To accept your application, the Department of Health must receive a certification from your current physician. The physician will upload the certificate digitally. Your physician must state that they diagnosed you with a qualifying health condition and that the potential benefits of using medical marijuana outweigh the risks
- Submit an online application: Having met with your physician and obtained certification, you must complete your application online. To do this, you must:
- Create a free account on eHawaii.gov
- Complete the application form and upload a JPEG of your Hawaii driver's license or state-issued ID
- If you have plans to grow medical cannabis at home, complete a grow site certification form
- If you have a caregiver, provide the caregiver's information and upload their valid ID
- Pay the fee: The Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program charges a non-refundable $38.50 registration fee ($35 application fee + $3.50 portal administration fee). The acceptable payment methods are credit cards, debit cards, and eChecks
- Wait for a response: If there are no issues with your application, the Department will get to it in a first-in-first-out manner. The Department will send you a registration certificate if your application is successful and it deems you eligible. Applicants can also track their status via their medical cannabis registry account
- Retrieve your 329 Card: If your application is successful, you will receive an email notification. You can then sign in to your account, get your 329 Card, and save it to your phone. Per state laws, all Hawaii medical marijuana cards are electronic
Individuals that require more information may contact the Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program at:
4348 Waialae Avenue #648,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Phone: (808) 733-2177
How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Hawaii MMIC?
In Hawaii, a caregiver is an adult, other than the patient, who agrees to manage the patient's purchase, growth, or use of medical cannabis. Typically, caregivers take responsibility for:
- Minors who are too young to handle medical cannabis themselves. Typically, the child's parents will function as caregivers
- Patients who are too ill or aged to obtain medical cannabis from the dispensary or grow it independently by themselves
To register in the medical marijuana program and obtain an MMJ card, the caregiver's patient must designate them in the initial application. The patient must provide all necessary information, such as:
- The caregiver's name
- The caregiver's date of birth
- The caregiver's social security number
- The caregiver's home address
- A clear copy of the caregiver's Hawaii-issued driver's license or ID card
- The caregiver's attestation to manage the patient's cannabis responsibly and ensure the patient gets a regular supply
- The caregiver's signature
If the patient wants the caregiver to grow medical cannabis on their behalf, they must state this clearly on the application. Caregivers may attend to only one patient at a time and do not need to pay separately for their card. The patient's application fee covers both applications and MMJ cards.
How long does it take to get a Hawaii MMIC?
The Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program processes applications for medical marijuana cards in a first-in-first-out manner. However, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for the department to deny or approve an application. If your application is successful, you will receive an email notification. You can then sign in to your account, get your 329 Card, and save it to your phone.
Getting a Hawaii Medical Marijuana Card Online
In Hawaii, individuals that wish to apply for medical marijuana cards can only do so online. The application process is outlined below:
- Meet with your medical provider to get a certification
- Submit an online application by:
- Creating a free account on eHawaii.gov
- Completing the application form and upload a JPEG of your Hawaii driver's license or state-issued ID
- If you have plans to grow medical cannabis at home, complete a grow site certification form
- If you have a caregiver, provide the caregiver's information and upload their valid ID
- Pay the fee
- Wait for a response
- Retrieve your 329 Card online
How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program charges a non-refundable $38.50 registration fee ($35 application fee + $3.50 portal administration fee). Out-of-state applicants must pay $49.50 for visitor's medical cannabis cards.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Hawaii?
As an adult in Hawaii, the only documents you need to apply for a medical marijuana card are your driver's license and doctor's certification. However, minors need to have a valid birth certificate and their parent's written consent.
Are My Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program abides strictly to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Act, signed into law on August 21, 1996, sets the standard on patient information confidentiality. Thus, when you apply for a medical marijuana card in Hawaii, your details remain confidential.
The Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program provides a medical marijuana card sample for public perusal. A Hawaii medical marijuana card typically bears the following information:
- Status: Patient or Caregiver
- The patient or caregiver's 9-digit identification number
- The card's issuance and expiry date
Can Someone Track Me Down Through The Hawaii Registry?
No, nobody can track you down through the Hawaii Medical Cannabis registry. The registry keeps all patient information completely confidential, per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).