Hawaii Cannabis Laws

Legal — Medical Only

Hawaii legalized medical cannabis in 2000 and launched its dispensary program in 2017. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, though decriminalization of small amounts was enacted in 2020. Only registered patients with qualifying conditions can purchase from licensed dispensaries.

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Quick Facts

Minimum Age	18+ (medical only)
Purchase Limits (Rec)	N/A — Not legal
Purchase Limits (Med)	4 oz of flower per 15-day period
Delivery Allowed	No
Home Growing	Medical patients may grow up to 10 plants at their residence. Non-patients may not cultivate.
Public Consumption	Prohibited. Cannabis may only be consumed in a private residence. Not permitted in public places, vehicles, or on federal property.
ID Requirements	Hawaii 329 medical cannabis card, Government-issued photo ID
Tourist Rules	Hawaii does not allow tourist purchases. Only Hawaii medical cannabis cardholders may buy from dispensaries. However, visitors with qualifying conditions can apply for a temporary 60-day certificate.
Penalties	Possession of 3g or less is decriminalized ($130 fine). 3g to 1 oz is a petty misdemeanor. Over 1 oz is a misdemeanor or felony.
Tax Info	Medical cannabis is subject to a 4% general excise tax plus applicable county surcharges.

Medical Cannabis Program

Qualifying Conditions

Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, MS, Crohn's, PTSD, chronic pain, cachexia, severe nausea, and seizures.

How to Get a Card

Patients must be examined by a licensed Hawaii physician and apply through the Department of Health's Medical Cannabis Registry. Out-of-state patients can obtain a 60-day temporary registration.

Medical Cannabis in Hawaii

Hawaii was one of the earliest states to legalize medical cannabis (2000), but its dispensary program did not launch until 2017. The state has 8 licensed dispensaries across the islands, with locations on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.

Hawaii's medical program allows patients to purchase various forms including flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Patients may also grow up to 10 plants at home.

Next steps: compare dispensaries in Hawaii, how to find a licensed dispensary, what to bring to a dispensary, and browse all state cannabis pages.

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Official License Lookup

Verify a dispensary's license on the official Hawaii website:

Visit Hawaii Cannabis Regulator