Medical Cannabis Registry Program

Can the Office of Medical Cannabis Patient Registry refer me to a certifying provider?

No. The Medical Cannabis Patient Registry does not serve as a referral source.

Eligible providers include:

• Licensed Medical Doctor (M.D.), or  Doctor of Ostepathy (D.O)
  • Must hold a valid license with authority to prescribe drugs
  • Must be registered with the Department of Public Safety to prescribe controlled substances
• Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (A.P.R.N)
  • Must have prescriptive authority
  • Must be registered with the Department of Public Safety to prescribe controlled substances

How do I register as a patient?

1. Make an appointment with your medical provider. You will not be able to register in the system until the Department receives a certification from your physician that you have been diagnosed with a condition that qualifies for the use of medical marijuana and that, in his or her opinion, the potential benefits of the palliative use of cannabis would likely outweigh the health risks of such use.
2. Submit an online application. Once your physician has certified you for the use of cannabis, the Department requires additional information and documents from you demonstrating, among other things, your identity and residency to determine whether you are qualified under the statute to register with the Department. Once the Department receives the required information, we will make a determination as to whether you are eligible for a registration certificate and, if so, one will be sent to you.
3. Check the status of your application. Incomplete applications will be returned to either the patient and/or certifying medical provider. It is your responsibility to make the required corrections and resubmit your application. Completed and submitted applications will be reviewed in the order received. If the status of your application says “submitted to DOH”, we will get to you application as soon as possible. We request your patience.
4. Application Approved. Once your application has been approved you will receive an email notification (if you submitted your application on your own and have an account set up at https://medmj.ehawaii.gov . You will then be able to login to your account and retrieve your 329-card online. Print from your home computer and/save to your mobile device. Not having data or access to wifi is not a valid excuse.

My medical condition is not listed as one that would make me eligible for medical cannabis.  Can additional medical conditions be added to the list?

In Hawaii, adding conditions requires an in-depth review of evidence-based documentation, and begins with thorough petitions prepared in accordance with section 11-160-7, Hawaii Administrative Rules.

To be added as a qualifying condition, recommendations will need to be approved by the Department

Petition Process to Add New Conditions

Does the law require health insurers to cover medical cannabis?

No. At this time health insurers are not required by law to cover medical cannabis.

Why can’t I go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical cannabis?

Pharmacies can only dispense medication “prescribed” by licensed medical practitioners. The federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, which means licensed medical practitioners do not prescribe it. Instead, it is a recommendation/certification.

Can patients use medical cannabis anywhere?

No. The law prohibits ingesting cannabis in a bus, a school bus or any moving vehicle; in the workplace; on any school grounds or any public or private school, dormitory, college or university property; in any public place; or in the presence of anyone under 18. It also prohibits any use of  cannabis that endangers the health or well-being of another person, other than the patient or primary caregiver.

How much cannabis can a patient have on hand?

The maximum allowable amount is 4 ounces.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone or act against a tenant solely because the tenant is qualified to use medical cannabis?

Part IX of Chapter 329, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) outlines the requirements for the medical use of cannabis and contains protections for medical cannabis patients and their caregivers in section 329-125.5, HRS.  You should contact a private attorney for legal advice regarding how these statutes may apply to you.

Can a school refuse to enroll someone solely because the person is qualified to use medical cannabis?

Part IX of Chapter 329, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) outlines the requirements for the medical use of cannabis and contains protections for medical cannabis patients and their caregivers in section 329-125.5, HRS.  You should contact a private attorney for legal advice regarding how these statutes may apply to you.

Can an employer decide not to hire someone or decide to fire, or otherwise penalize or threaten that person, solely because the person is qualified to use medical cannabis?

No. An employer, however, may prohibit the use of intoxicating substances during work hours or discipline an employee for being intoxicated while at work as well as certain categories of work or positions.  

What are my options as a patient if I have a qualifying medical condition and believe that medical cannabis would be the most effective treatment for my symptoms but my physician will not certify me for the medical cannabis program?

DOH cannot require physicians or APRNs to recognize cannabis as an appropriate medical treatment in general or for any specific patient, and cannot refer you to a different medical provider; any information we receive regarding providers that have, or will, certify patients for medical cannabis is being treated with the utmost level of confidentiality.

Legal

Can the Medical Cannabis Registry give me legal advice?

No. If you have questions about compliance with the Hawaii State Medical Cannabis Rules or Hawaii statues you should consult with a private attorney.