How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Hawaii in 2023

Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano legalized medical cannabis when he signed Act 228, the Medical Use of Marijuana Act, into law in 2000. In doing so, Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical cannabis legislatively instead of by ballot measure.

Another milestone took place in 2015 with the creation of the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Program, which required qualified patients to register with the state and obtain a Hawaii medical marijuana card, also called a 329 card.

Leafwell is not yet open in Hawaii, but we hope to be soon. Join our waitlist to be notified as soon as we’re ready to certify patients in Hawaii.

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Benefits of Having a Medical Card in Hawaii

Applying for a Hawaii medical marijuana card is the only way residents can legally purchase and consume cannabis. Although possessing three or fewer grams of cannabis has been decriminalized in the state, recreational sales remain illegal under Hawaii law, and home cultivation of cannabis is only permitted for Hawaii medical cardholders.

Patients with a valid MMJ card may purchase and possess up to four ounces of usable marijuana from dispensaries in a 15-day period. They may also cultivate an adequate supply of cannabis plants, determined to be 10 plants, by the Hawaii Department of Health.

Eligibility Requirements

Hawaii residents aged 18 and up diagnosed with at least one qualifying condition may be eligible to apply for a Hawaii medical marijuana card. First, they must register for a consultation with a qualified physician and get approved. Thanks to legislation passed in 2021, this consultation can take place online with telemedicine.

Leafwell will begin offering consultations with our licensed marijuana doctors in Hawaii soon. Join our waitlist to be notified when we’re up and running in your state.

Can Minors Get a Medical Card in Hawaii?

Minors can get a medical card in Hawaii. However, Hawaiian law states that a caregiver must apply on behalf of a minor patient for them to be eligible for medical marijuana use. Additionally, minor patients must have parental or legal guardian consent, and the patient’s caregiver must be responsible for the dosage, frequency of use, and acquisition of medical cannabis products.

Qualifying Conditions

According to the Hawaii Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program, the following medical conditions may qualify a patient for the medicinal use of cannabis:

• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Rheumatoid arthritis

You may also become a qualifying patient if you have been diagnosed with or exhibit any of the following:

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease
• Severe nausea
• Severe chronic pain

How to Apply

• Register online with Leafwell.

Leafwell is coming to Hawaii soon! Join our waitlist to be notified when we’re up and running in the Aloha State.

• Discuss medical marijuana with one of our licensed marijuana doctors.

Attend your appointment. Speak to our doctors about your qualifying health conditions, medical history, and why medical use of marijuana may be a good option. Feel free to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have.

Note: Please have all of your necessary documentation prepared before the appointment, including medical records detailing your condition (including notes, images, and a list of medications you’re taking).

• Submit your state application.

After your appointment, you’ll receive an email with steps to help guide you through Hawaii’s state process. The state will then contact our physician to verify that they have approved you.

• Receive your 329 Card from the state of Hawaii.

The state will review your application and send an email once you’re approved. You can then log in and download a copy of your medical cannabis ID card. This electronic card allows you to purchase medical cannabis legally.

What You’ll Need

In-state patients interested in completing the online application for an MMJ card will need to gather the following documents ready to be uploaded:

• Patient identification
  • Valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Patient/Caregiver/Grow site certification forms (if applicable)
• Fees (payable via credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a savings or checking account)
  • $38.50 for a one-year registration
  • $77 for a two-year registration (if eligible)

Out-of-state patients must meet the following requirements to qualify for medical cannabis registration in Hawaii:

• You must have a valid medical cannabis registration card issued by another U.S. state, territory, or District of Columbia government.
• You must have a valid government-issued state ID or driver’s license from the same U.S. state, territory, or District of Columbia with the same name on the medical cannabis registration card.
• You must be certified in your home state as having one or more debilitating medical conditions identified in Hawaii state law.

Note: MMJ cards issued to out-of-state patients are valid for 60 days, and qualified patients may apply for up to two cards per calendar year.

Costs

Once Leafwell is up and running in Hawaii, a consultation with one of Leafwell’s Hawaii healthcare providers will cost $149. However, you will not be charged if you do not qualify for an MMJ card. The costs to see other doctors varies.

The state also charges a $38.50 fee for one-year registrations and a $77 fee for two-year registrations.

Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

Out-of-state medical cannabis patients may register for temporary Hawaii medical marijuana cards, allowing them to purchase cannabis for medicinal use legally. Out-of-state cards are valid for 60 days, and qualified patients may apply for up to two cards per calendar year.

For further information about medical marijuana reciprocity, Leafwell maintains an up-to-date list of states and U.S. territories that accept out-of-state medical cards.

Applying as a Caregiver

Hawaii’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program defines a caregiver as an individual at least 18 years old who has agreed to undertake the responsibility of managing the well-being of a qualified patient for their medical use of cannabis.

Caregivers can serve only one patient at a time and must be designated on the qualifying patient’s medical cannabis ID card application. Patients can have only one caregiver.

Caregivers can assist in obtaining medical cannabis from dispensaries on behalf of their patient. They may grow medical cannabis for their patient until December 31, 2023. After that date, caregivers will not be allowed to grow medical cannabis except for minor patients or adults lacking legal capacity on islands that do not have a dispensary.

Where to Buy Medical Marijuana

The Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program maintains lists of licensed dispensaries on Hawaii Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai from which MMJ cardholders can purchase medical marijuana products.

Cultivation

Patients with a valid Hawaii medical marijuana card may legally cultivate up to 10 plants. The marijuana plants may only be grown at one of the following locations (which must be identified on the patient’s 329 Card):

• The residence of the qualifying patient
• The residence of the designated primary caregiver
• Another site that is either owned or controlled by the qualifying patient or the designated primary caregiver

Primary caregivers may only cultivate cannabis for a qualifying patient until December 31, 2023. Exceptions apply to minor patients and adults lacking legal capacity on islands that do not have a dispensary.

Hawaii Medical Marijuana Laws to Know

Below, you’ll find a few need-to-know medical marijuana laws enforced in Hawaii. Check out our Hawaii marijuana laws page for more in-depth coverage of the state’s laws.

• Patients can not consume cannabis in public places.
• Patients can not drive or operate other motor vehicles under the influence of cannabis.
• The cultivation of cannabis plants is only legal for medical cardholders.

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