Hawaii Marijuana Information

Quick FAQs

Marijuana has been a part of Hawaii’s culture for a long time, and some people are surprised that Hawaii isn’t leading the charge when it comes to legalizing marijuana. Hawaiians are famously known for growing great marijuana, including some famous strains – Maui Wowie, anyone? However, marijuana legalization has been slow going in Hawaii.

Hawaii never decriminalized marijuana, but medical marijuana was approved in 2000. The law allowed patients to grow up to seven of their own plants, but did not allow any medical marijuana dispensaries to be opened. Thankfully, that is finally changing.

A new law was passed in July 2015 that will permit medical marijuana dispensaries to open in Hawaii. The state began cultivating cannabis for sale in February 2017 and legal medical sales followed shortly thereafter.

Despite being illegal, it can still be pretty easy to find marijuana and Hawaii. Kush encourages discretion for all travelers. It isn’t unusual to see and smell weed in public in Hawaii, but use common sense and courtesy. Don’t drive while high – you can be convicted of a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana in Hawaii. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Hawaii Cannabis Lawyers page for help!

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Hawaii FAQ

Is Marijuana legal in Hawaii?

Medical marijuana is legal in Hawaii. However, Hawaii’s original medical marijuana law allowed patients to grow up to 7 of their own marijuana plants but did not allow for dispensaries to be opened. A new law was passed in July 2015 allowing for medical marijuana dispensaries to be opened, and the state began cultivating cannabis for sale in February 2017 and legal medical sales followed shortly thereafter.

If you are not a patient, possession of marijuana is classified as a misdemeanor penalty. If you have less than one ounce of marijuana, there’s a $1,000 maximum fine and 30 days in jail possible incarceration.

Can I get my Medical Card if I am not a Hawaii resident?

No, you cannot get your medical marijuana card if you are not a Hawaii resident.

Where can I buy it?

There are a handful of state licensed medical marijuana dispensaries among the islands. If you are a qualified Hawaii medical marijuana cardholder, go get yourself some high-grade medicine!

What do you need to purchase cannabis in a dispensary?

You will need a Hawaii medical marijuana card, which you can get from specific doctors in the state.

What types of marijuana will the dispensaries sell?

You will see a number of different flower strains categorized by their strains ranging from strong Indicas to strong Sativas and everything in between. Each strain can have different effects so be sure to ask the budtender for assistance in choosing the best marijuana for you. Strong Sativas strains are known for their general uplifting, energizing, and head high effects while Indicas are known for their full body highs and sedative effects.
Dispensaries will also sell a number of other types of marijuana products, including but not limited to:

• Edibles: Cannabis infused foods, candies, or drinks. Warning: These can be very potent! Be sure to check the serving size before enjoying and remember the effects can take up to an hour to hit you.
• Transdermal Products (Topicals): creams, lotions, massage oils and such infused with cannabis. These products are not psychoactive and will not get you high.
• Seeds: seeds that can be used to grow your own marijuana plants. Stores will have many different strains of Indicas and Sativas.
• Clones: healthy seedlings that are ready be grown.

The law says medical marijuana dispensaries will not be permitted to sell dabs and waxes, typically processed with butane.

How much will it cost?

The price of marijuana depends on strain and quality, but you can expect marijuana prices to be between $10 and $30 per gram.

How much Marijuana can I buy?

Patients may grow up to seven live marijuana plants. Patients will be allowed to purchase four ounces every 15 days or 8 ounces every 30 days.

Can I take my purchase home if I live in another state or country?

No. All marijuana and marijuana products purchased in Hawaii must be consumed in Hawaii.

Where can I consume my recent purchase?

You may only consume marijuana in a private residence. However, Hawaiians tend to be pretty lax about marijuana use and as long as you stay out of public, it’s unlikely that you’ll be caught.

When will new Marijuana Laws go into effect in Hawaii?

New dispensaries will be allowed to open on July 15th, 2016, with approval from the state. On January 1st, 2018, patients from other states will also be allowed to purchase medical marijuana at Hawaii dispensaries.

If marijuana is legalized can I still get in trouble?

Yes. You can always get in trouble at the federal level, but as long as you follow the rules for marijuana in Hawaii, state and local authorities will not have any issues with you. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Hawaii Cannabis Lawyers page for help!

Use the forum below for more to post questions, answer others, and learn more!

Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. Please respect the current state of Marijuana law in your area.

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