Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is the primary entity designated with the compliance and enforcement aspects of the Medical Cannabis Registry Program. Cannabis is a Schedule 1 Drug, is illegal at the federal level, and all Hawaii program participants are required to maintain “strict compliance” with part IX, chapter 329 to be afforded protection as a registered program participant and to assert the medical use of cannabis as an affirmative defense to any prosecution involving cannabis under part IX, chapter 329 or chapter 712.
Designated Officers are the only individuals that can verify if an individual or grow site is registered in the program and take action in the event that either the individual or the grow site is not registered. The Department of Public Safety’s Narcotic Enforcement Division and Sheriff’s Division as well as all County Police Departments have Designated Officers that may access a secure 24/7 online SUBJECT verification system to verify that PATIENTS OR CAREGIVERS are registered in the DOH Medical Cannabis Registry Program.
It is important to note, Honolulu Police Department’s current practice is to verify whether a firearm permit applicant is a medical cannabis registry participant and will deny firearm permits to individuals who are registered in this program.
For Designated Officers:
Designated Officers can conduct 24/7 subject verification here.