Last verified: March 2026
State Regulatory Agencies
Hawaii's medical cannabis program is administered by the Department of Health (DOH) through the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR). The following DOH offices manage different aspects of the program:
Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR)
- Website: health.hawaii.gov/medicalcannabis
- Phone: (808) 733-2177
- Email: medicalcannabis@doh.hawaii.gov
OMCCR oversees dispensary licensing, compliance inspections, and rulemaking. This is the primary regulatory contact for all dispensary-related matters.
Medical Cannabis Registry
The Registry manages patient and caregiver 329 cards, provider certifications, and the electronic verification system used by dispensaries at point of sale.
Dispensary Program
- Website: health.hawaii.gov/medicalcannabisdispensary
- License applications info: Dispensary License Applications
This office manages the 8 dispensary licenses, including renewals, facility approvals, and operational compliance. For details on the licensing structure, see Dispensary Licensing.
Statutes and Administrative Rules
Hawaii's cannabis program is built on two primary statutory chapters and their implementing administrative rules:
HRS Chapter 329 — Uniform Controlled Substances Act
- Full text: HRS Chapter 329
The foundational statute governing controlled substances in Hawaii. Part IX (sections 329-121 through 329-131) establishes the medical cannabis patient program, qualifying conditions, possession limits, and caregiver provisions.
HRS Chapter 329D — Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program
- Full text: HRS Chapter 329D
The statute that created the dispensary system in 2015 (Act 241). Defines the 8-license structure, vertical integration requirement, fees, operational standards, and the DOH's regulatory authority.
HAR 11-850 — Dispensary Interim Rules
- Current version (December 6, 2024): HAR 11-850 (PDF)
- Archive: HAR 11-850 previous versions
The interim administrative rules governing dispensary operations — security, tracking, testing, labeling, packaging, advertising, and inspections. These rules implement HRS §329D and are the most detailed operational reference for dispensary compliance. For a summary, see Compliance Requirements.
HAR 11-160 — Medical Cannabis Registry Rules
- Full text: HAR 11-160 (PDF)
Administrative rules governing the patient and caregiver registry system, 329 card issuance, qualifying conditions, and provider certification.
Legislative Resources
Hawaii State Legislature
- Website: capitol.hawaii.gov
Track current and past cannabis-related bills, committee hearings, and testimony. Cannabis legislation is typically heard by the Health and Human Services, Commerce and Consumer Protection, and Judiciary committees.
Dual Use Task Force
The Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force was established to study and make recommendations regarding the potential legalization of adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Hawaii. Their reports and meeting materials are available on the DOH website.
Industry Organizations
Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association (HICIA)
- Facebook: facebook.com/theHICIA
HICIA represents Hawaii's cannabis industry stakeholders and participates in legislative advocacy, public education, and industry standards development.
Education and Research
For comprehensive cannabis education beyond Hawaii-specific regulations, our partner site provides in-depth guides on consumption methods, dosing, safety, and the latest research:
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org
Contact the DOH
For questions about dispensary licensing, compliance, or the regulatory framework:
| Office | Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR) |
| Phone | (808) 733-2177 |
| medicalcannabis@doh.hawaii.gov | |
| Website | health.hawaii.gov/medicalcannabis |
All links verified as of March 2026. Hawaii's medical cannabis program is administered by the Department of Health through the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR). Statutes, rules, and program information are maintained on the DOH website.
Hawaii DOH — OMCCR