Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program (2024) Guide

What is the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program?

The Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program facilitates access to medical marijuana by patients living with one or more qualifying medical conditions in the state. The state's medical marijuana program was created by Act 228, codified as Part IX, Chapter 329 of Hawaii Revised Statutes, in 2000. In 2013, the state legislature amended the law when it passed HB 668, which moved the medical cannabis program from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health. HB 668 established the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program the same year.

Hawaii cannabis law requires qualifying patients to register with the Cannabis Registry Program and obtain a medical marijuana card, commonly known as the 329 Registration Card. While in-state patient applications for the 329 Registration Cards can be sent in at any time of the year, out-of-state patients may only apply for up to two 60-day terms in a calendar year.

How Old to Join the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program?

Individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with one or more qualifying medical conditions can participate in the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Program. Minors who have at least one qualifying condition can also join the program. However, the consent of their parents or legal guardians, who must also register as their caregivers, is required. Once a patient enrolled in the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Program turns 18, they can be recertified for medical cannabis without their parent's or guardian's permission.

Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program Qualifying Conditions in 2024

• AIDS
• Lupus
• Cancer
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Positive status for HIV
• Glaucoma
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• The treatment of the conditions mentioned above or debilitating disease/condition or its treatment that produces at least one of the following:
• Severe pain
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Seizures

What Practitioners are Eligible to Recommend the Use of Medical Cannabis?

• Medical Doctors (MD)
• Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Must a Practitioner Obtain a License Before Issuing a Medical Card Recommendation?

In Hawaii, a certifying practitioner (DO, APRN, or MD) must have a valid state license with the authority to prescribe drugs before they can recommend anyone for the 329 Registry Card. In addition, they must be registered with the state's Department of Public Safety with a valid Hawaii controlled substance license number.

Do Physicians Need to Manage Patients Before Recommending Them for the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program?

Yes. Certifying physicians or APRNs must maintain bona fide provider-patient relationships with qualifying medical cannabis patients before they can recommend them for the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program.

Do Physicians Have to Join the State’s Medical Marijuana Program/Registry to Recommend Medical Marijuana to Patients?

Registration with the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry is not required for a certifying medical provider. However, they must complete an Electronic Signature Agreement and submit it to the state's Department of Health (DOH) before they can use the state-approved electronic system to recommend medical marijuana.

Can a Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program Medical Marijuana Program Practitioner Use Telemedicine for Patient Assessment?

Yes, but not for an initial assessment or certification of a qualifying medical marijuana patient. Medical providers in Hawaii may only use telemedicine services to recommend medical marijuana to qualifying cannabis patients for medical marijuana card renewals after establishing bona fide relationships through face-to-face consultations.

How to Find Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program Doctors

The Department of Health (DOH) maintains a list of Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program physicians and APRNs who may recommend qualifying patients for medical marijuana in the state. Interested persons can look up the list to find the contact information of approved certifying medical providers near them.

How to Apply for the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program

• A qualifying medical marijuana patient should book an appointment with their certifying medical practitioner for medical assessment
• The patient should create an account online with their valid email address on the eHawaii.gov Account Services
• After creating an account, the qualifying patient must log in to the Medical Cannabis Registry Portal and fill out an online application. They will upload the necessary documents while filling out the form and pay the required application fee
• Once the required information and documents are provided, the patient should submit their application to their certifying medical provider/practitioner. Afterward, the medical provider will certify the patient's medical condition and submit their application to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) for review
• If the DOH approves the application, the patient will receive an approval notification by email. They may log into their Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry account to download their electronic 329 Registry Card
• If the application is incomplete, the DOH will return it for corrections and resubmissions through the Medical Cannabis Registry Portal
• The DOH provides a guide on how to start and submit an online 329 card application
• For more information on how to join the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program as in-state patients or out-of-state patients, contact the registry at (808) 733-2177 or by email. Alternatively, visit the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program at:
  Medical Cannabis Program 4348 Waialae Avenue, #648 Honolulu, HI 96816