Like all medicines used to treat health conditions, cannabis can also have real risks. These risks are higher when products with THC are used often, in high amounts, or in ways other than medically intended. THC can impair driving, may affect pregnancy outcomes such as lower birth weight, and may increase the risk of psychosis in youth who frequently misuse high-THC products or are predisposed to psychosis.

OMCCR advises a practical and science-based approach to medical cannabis. As part of a patient’s medical cannabis journey, meeting with a healthcare provider who has completed medical cannabis education is advisable to support informed decisions, safer use, and patient-centered care.

  • Find a Medical Cannabis Specialist
    Medical cannabis specialists have completed clinical education in medical cannabis that supports one or more core competency areas, helping them provide informed, patient-centered care and guidance.
  • Patient Newsletters
    Stay informed with medical cannabis education, program updates, upcoming events, and answers to frequently asked questions.
  • Growing Your Own Medical Cannabis

    OMCCR recognizes that many patients and caregivers in our state need information on how to grow medical cannabis. Our 2026 education program Know Before You Grow will help you to better understand the techniques and requirements for growing medical cannabis. The therapeutic benefits of gardening are undeniable, and growing safe medicine is a challenge that needs proper guidance for the best results. Check out our newsletters for more information on how to grow medical cannabis.
    Cultivation newsletters September – December 2024

  • Join a Cannabis Research Study

    Hawai‘i residents have the opportunity to participle in two national studies, through a partnership with the OMCCR Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) National Cannabis Research Study and Realm of Caring (ROC). Our state’s diverse population can contribute unique information to these projects and enhance the science of medical cannabis.

    • Hawai‘i residents who are beginning medical cannabis use and are cannabis-naïve are invited to enroll in the National Cannabis Study (NCS). The study aims to better understand who uses cannabis therapies, the conditions they treat, the types of products used, and how cannabis affects health, sleep, pain, mood, and medication use. Participants may also volunteer to provide blood samples for biomarker analysis at no cost, and they will receive results, including liver function, diabetes, and inflammation markers, to review with their healthcare providers
    • Hawai‘i residents who are already using cannabis or hemp are invited to enroll in Realm of Caring’s Observational Research Registry (ORR), a global effort that tracks both users and non‐users over time to build a comprehensive dataset on product use, benefits, and adverse effects. Participants in this registry will not provide lab samples.

      Why participate? It’s an opportunity to contribute to scientific research aimed at better understanding both the health benefits and possible risks associated with cannabis or hemp use. You will also join a community that understands cannabinoid therapy and gain ongoing support from Care Specialists at the Realm of Caring.

      No government entity will have access to your personal information from this research.